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Is $70,000.00 a Good Salary at 55?

Find out how a $70,000.00 salary compares at age 55 in Australia — take home pay, age-group comparison, and whether you're on track financially.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

Verdict: Below average for your age

At $70,000.00, you're earning below the average for your age group. This doesn't mean you're doing badly — many people at this income level live comfortably by managing expenses well.

The average salary for the 55-59 age group is $95,000.00 — you earn 26% less than average.

Your Take Home Pay on $70,000.00

Annual

$56,812.00

Monthly

$4,734.33

Fortnightly

$2,185.08

Weekly

$1,092.54

Gross salary$70,000.00
Income tax + Medicare levy-$13,188.00
Take home pay$56,812.00
Effective tax rate18.8%

How $70,000.00 Compares at Age 55

Age GroupAverage SalaryYour SalaryDifference
18-24$55,000.00$70,000.00+27%
25-29$72,000.00$70,000.00-3%
30-34$85,000.00$70,000.00-18%
35-39$95,000.00$70,000.00-26%
40-44$100,000.00$70,000.00-30%
45-49$105,000.00$70,000.00-33%
50-54$102,000.00$70,000.00-31%
55-59 (you)$95,000.00$70,000.00-26%
60-64$85,000.00$70,000.00-18%

Where You Should Be Financially at 55

Expected Savings

$100,000.00 $400,000.00

Outside of superannuation

Expected Super Balance

$350,000.00

Based on average contributions

Expected Net Worth

$700,000.00 $1,500,000.00

Including super & property equity

Are You On Track? Milestones for Age 55

  • 1Net worth of $700,000-$1,500,000
  • 2Super balance around $300,000-$500,000
  • 3Mortgage fully paid off
  • 4Preservation age reached (can access super via TTR)
  • 5Retirement timeline finalised

What to Focus On at 55

Using transition to retirement (TTR) pension if still working
Maximising super with carry-forward contributions
Planning Centrelink Age Pension eligibility (assets and income tests)
Considering downsizer contributions (up to $300,000 per person from home sale)
Consolidating super accounts and reducing fees

Other Salaries at Age 55

$70,000.00 at Other Ages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $70,000.00 a good salary at 55?

$70,000.00 is below the average salary for 55 year olds in Australia. The average for the 55-59 age group is $95,000.00. However, salary is only one part of financial health — your savings, spending habits, and investments matter too.

What is the average salary for a 55 year old in Australia?

The average salary for the 55-59 age group in Australia is approximately $95,000.00 per year before tax. This is based on ABS data and includes full-time workers across all industries and states.

How much should a 55 year old have saved?

At 55, most Australians have between $100,000.00 and $400,000.00 in savings (outside of super). Your super balance should be around $350,000.00. Your total net worth (including super and any property equity) should be in the range of $700,000.00 to $1,500,000.00.

Am I earning enough for my age?

The "right" salary depends on your career stage, industry, location, and qualifications. The average for 55 year olds is $95,000.00. If you're below this, focus on upskilling, negotiating, or switching roles. If you're above it, focus on saving and investing the difference to build long-term wealth.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.