Superannuation is Australia’s mandatory retirement savings system — and for most Australians, it will be one of their biggest assets. But how much will you actually have when you retire? The answer depends on your age, current balance, salary, contributions and how your fund performs. This guide walks through the key numbers.
How Super Works in 2026
In 2026, employers must contribute 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings to your super fund — this is called the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). This rate rises to 12% from 1 July 2025. On top of this, you can make voluntary contributions from your after-tax salary.
What Is a Good Super Balance at Retirement?
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that a comfortable retirement in 2026 requires approximately:
Super Balance Benchmarks by Age
Here are approximate super balance benchmarks for Australians earning an average salary:
How to Boost Your Super
Salary sacrifice contributions
Contributing extra to super from your pre-tax salary reduces your taxable income. Contributions inside super are taxed at 15%, which is lower than most people’s marginal income tax rate. In 2026, the concessional contributions cap is $30,000 per year (including employer contributions).
After-tax contributions
You can also make after-tax contributions to super (called non-concessional contributions) up to $120,000 per year. These do not reduce your taxable income, but the earnings inside super are taxed at a lower rate (15% accumulation, 0% in retirement phase).
Consolidate multiple super accounts
If you have worked multiple jobs, you may have multiple super accounts, each charging fees. Consolidating into one account saves on fees and makes your super easier to manage.
Choose a high-performing fund
Fund performance varies significantly. Over 10 years, a 1% difference in annual returns on a $200,000 balance equals over $31,000 in additional retirement savings. Check your fund’s performance at ATO’s YourSuper comparison tool.
Related Calculators
Superannuation Calculator — Project Your Balance at Retirement →Income Tax Calculator — See the Tax Benefit of Salary Sacrificing →Compound Interest Calculator — See How Compounding Builds Wealth →Budget Planner — Free Up Money for Extra Super Contributions →
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial adviser before making financial decisions.