How Much Super Should I Have at 42?
Average super balance, benchmarks, and catch-up strategies for 42-year-olds in Australia.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
At age 42, the average Australian super balance is approximately $140,000. The median is around $77,000, and a “good” balance (75th percentile) is about $196,000.
Super Balance Benchmarks at 42
Median
$77K
50th percentile
Average
$140K
Combined
Good
$196K
75th percentile
Target at 67
$690K
ASFA comfortable
Average by Gender
Men
$162,000
Women
$118,000
Gap
$44,000
The super gender gap at this age bracket is 27%. 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 (25 Years Away)
Starting from the average balance of $140,000 at age 42, with 12% employer contributions and 7% annual returns.
| Salary | Projected at 67 | vs ASFA Target |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,139,335 | +$449,335 |
| $70,000 | $1,291,132 | +$601,132 |
| $90,000 | $1,442,930 | +$752,930 |
| $120,000 | $1,670,627 | +$980,627 |
| $150,000 | $1,898,323 | +$1,208,323 |
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 42?
The average super balance at age 42 is approximately $140,000. Men average around $162,000 while women average $118,000, reflecting the ongoing gender super gap.
How much super should I have at 42?
At age 42, a "good" super balance is around $196,000 (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 $140,000.
Am I behind on super at 42?
If your super balance is below $77,000 (the median) at age 42, you may be behind. Don't panic — you have 25 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 42?
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.
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