How Much Should I Save for Retirement? (2026 Guide)
Updated February 2026 · 10 min read
Quick Answer
Save 15% of your gross income for retirement. Use the 4% rule: multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25 to find your target savings number.
The 4% Rule — How Much Do You Need?
The 4% rule is the most widely used retirement planning guideline. It says you can withdraw 4% of your savings per year in retirement without running out of money over a 30 year retirement.
| Annual Income Needed | Retirement Savings Target (25x) |
|---|---|
| $30,000 per year | $750,000 |
| $40,000 per year | $1,000,000 |
| $50,000 per year | $1,250,000 |
| $60,000 per year | $1,500,000 |
| $80,000 per year | $2,000,000 |
| $100,000 per year | $2,500,000 |
Retirement Savings Benchmarks by Age
By Age 30
Earning $50,000: Save $50,000
By Age 35
Earning $60,000: Save $120,000
By Age 40
Earning $70,000: Save $210,000
By Age 50
Earning $80,000: Save $480,000
By Age 60
Earning $90,000: Save $720,000
By Age 67
Earning $90,000: Save $900,000
Calculate Your Retirement Savings Free
Use our free retirement calculator to see exactly how much you need and whether you are on track to meet your retirement goals.
Try the Free Retirement CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much should I save for retirement?
A common guideline is to save 15% of your gross income for retirement including any employer match. The exact amount depends on your desired lifestyle, retirement age and other income sources like Social Security.
What is the 4% rule for retirement?
The 4% rule states you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year without running out of money. To find your target retirement number multiply your desired annual income by 25.
How much should I have saved for retirement by age?
By age 30 aim for 1x your salary. By 40 aim for 3x. By 50 aim for 6x. By 60 aim for 8x. By retirement age 67 aim for 10x your salary saved.
What is the maximum 401k contribution for 2026?
The 401k contribution limit for 2026 is $23,500. Workers age 50 and older can contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up contribution for a total of $31,000.
What if I started saving for retirement late?
If you started late maximize your contributions immediately, take advantage of catch-up contributions if over 50, work a few extra years if possible and consider part-time work in early retirement to reduce withdrawal rate.