How Much Super Should I Have at 27?
Average super balance, benchmarks, and catch-up strategies for 27-year-olds in Australia.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
At age 27, the average Australian super balance is approximately $35,000. The median is around $19,250, and a “good” balance (75th percentile) is about $49,000.
Super Balance Benchmarks at 27
Median
$19.3K
50th percentile
Average
$35K
Combined
Good
$49K
75th percentile
Target at 67
$690K
ASFA comfortable
Average by Gender
Men
$38,000
Women
$32,000
Gap
$6,000
The super gender gap at this age bracket is 16%. This is driven by differences in workforce participation, pay levels, and career breaks.
Progress Toward Comfortable Retirement
The ASFA Comfortable Retirement Standard requires $690,000 in super by age 67. The Modest standard is $100,000.
Projected Super at 67 (40 Years Away)
Starting from the average balance of $35,000 at age 27, with 12% employer contributions and 7% annual returns.
| Salary | Projected at 67 | vs ASFA Target |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,721,917 | +$1,031,917 |
| $70,000 | $2,201,041 | +$1,511,041 |
| $90,000 | $2,680,165 | +$1,990,165 |
| $120,000 | $3,398,852 | +$2,708,852 |
| $150,000 | $4,117,538 | +$3,427,538 |
Catch-Up Strategies
Salary Sacrifice
To reach $690,000 by 67 from the average balance, you'd need to contribute an extra $0/year ($0/month) via salary sacrifice, assuming a $90,000 salary.
Tax Savings
Salary sacrificing $0/year saves approximately $0/year in tax (taxed at 15% in super vs your marginal rate).
Contribution Caps (2025-26)
- Concessional cap: $30,000/year (includes employer SG + salary sacrifice)
- Non-concessional cap: $120,000/year (after-tax contributions)
- Carry-forward: Unused concessional cap amounts from the last 5 years can be used if your total super is under $500,000
Employer SG Rate
The current Superannuation Guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. On a $90,000 salary, that's $10,800/year in employer contributions.
Check Your Specific Balance
Select your approximate super balance to see a personalised assessment:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average super balance at 27?
The average super balance at age 27 is approximately $35,000. Men average around $38,000 while women average $32,000, reflecting the ongoing gender super gap.
How much super should I have at 27?
At age 27, a "good" super balance is around $49,000 (approximately the 75th percentile). However, to be on track for a comfortable retirement of $690,000 by age 67, you should aim for at least the average of $35,000.
Am I behind on super at 27?
If your super balance is below $19,250 (the median) at age 27, you may be behind. Don't panic — you have 40 years until retirement age. Salary sacrifice, government co-contributions, and catch-up concessional contributions can help close the gap.
How to catch up on super at 27?
Key strategies include: salary sacrificing extra contributions (up to the $30,000 concessional cap), using carry-forward unused cap amounts from the previous 5 years if your balance is under $500,000, making after-tax contributions (up to $120,000/year), and claiming the government co-contribution if eligible.
Related Tools
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.
Related Articles
Learn how salary sacrificing into superannuation works in Australia. Calculate your tax savings, understand the contribution caps, and see if it is worth it for your income level.
How Much Super Should I Have at 30, 40, 50? Average Super Balance by AgeCompare your superannuation balance to the Australian average by age. See benchmarks for 30, 40, 50, and 60 year olds, plus strategies to catch up if you are behind.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in Australia? 2026 Retirement Savings TargetsCalculate how much money you need to retire comfortably in Australia. Covers ASFA retirement standards, Age Pension eligibility, super targets by age, and closing the gap.