Key facts
- Americans' 401(k) balances hit record levels in Q3 2025.
- Market gains and consistent savings fueled the record balances.
- The average 401(k) balance rose 9% year-over-year.
- The average 401(k) balance reached $144,400.
- A record 654,000 accounts exceeded $1 million.
- The data reflects retirement account performance in the U.S.
Retirement account balances for Americans achieved all-time highs in the third quarter of 2025. This record growth was propelled by a combination of strong market gains and consistent savings habits among individuals. The average 401(k) balance saw a significant increase of 9% when compared to the same period in the prior year, reaching a total of $144,400.
Further underscoring the robust performance of retirement savings, a record number of 654,000 individual 401(k) accounts surpassed the $1 million threshold. This development highlights a growing trend of individuals accumulating substantial wealth within their retirement plans, reflecting both market appreciation and sustained saving efforts over time.