Net Worth by Age: 2026 Benchmarks

Net Worth by Age: The Numbers

Based on Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) data, adjusted for 2026:

| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Average Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 |
| 35-44 | $135,600 | $549,600 |
| 45-54 | $247,200 | $975,800 |
| 55-64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 |
| 65-74 | $409,900 | $1,794,600 |
| 75+ | $335,600 | $1,624,100 |

Why average and median differ so dramatically:
The average is pulled up by the ultra-wealthy. A room with 9 people worth $100,000 and 1 person worth $10,000,000 has an average net worth of $1,090,000 — but the median (middle person) is still $100,000. Median is the better benchmark for where "most" people stand.

Important context: These figures include home equity, which is illiquid. If the median 55-64 year old has $364,500 net worth but $250,000 is home equity, their liquid net worth is only $114,500. That's not enough for a 30-year retirement.

Calculate your exact net worth with our net-worth calculator.

How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Net worth is simple: Assets − Liabilities = Net Worth

Assets (what you own):
- Cash and savings accounts
- Investment accounts (brokerage, mutual funds)
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, pension value)
- Real estate (current market value)
- Vehicles (current market value, not what you paid)
- Other valuables (business equity, rental properties, collectibles)

Liabilities (what you owe):
- Mortgage balance remaining
- Student loan balance
- Auto loan balance
- Credit card balances
- Personal loans
- Medical debt
- Any other debts

Example:
Assets: $50,000 (savings) + $220,000 (401k) + $380,000 (home value) + $15,000 (car) = $665,000
Liabilities: $280,000 (mortgage) + $18,000 (student loans) + $8,000 (auto loan) + $3,000 (credit cards) = $309,000
Net Worth: $665,000 − $309,000 = $356,000

Track this quarterly. Watching the number grow is motivating and helps you catch problems early. Our net-worth calculator categorizes your assets and debts and shows your debt-to-asset ratio.

The "Multiple of Salary" Rule

Fidelity's popular guideline suggests these net worth targets by age, based on multiples of your salary:

- Age 30: 1× annual salary
- Age 35: 2× annual salary
- Age 40: 3× annual salary
- Age 45: 4× annual salary
- Age 50: 6× annual salary
- Age 55: 7× annual salary
- Age 60: 8× annual salary
- Age 67: 10× annual salary (retirement target)

Example: If you earn $80,000 at age 40, your net worth target is $240,000. At age 67, it would be $800,000.

Reality check: These multiples are aspirational — most Americans fall short, especially in their 30s and 40s. Don't panic if you're behind. The most important factor is your savings rate going forward. Someone who starts aggressively saving at 40 can still build substantial wealth by 67.

Why this rule is imperfect: It favors high earners. Someone earning $200,000 at age 40 needs $600,000 (achievable). Someone earning $40,000 needs $120,000 (difficult). The guideline also doesn't account for pensions, Social Security, or cost-of-living differences.

5 Strategies to Grow Your Net Worth Faster

1. Increase your savings rate to 20%+. This is the single most impactful lever. Save 20% of gross income — 15% toward retirement, 5% toward other goals. Automate it so it's not a decision every paycheck.

2. Eliminate high-interest debt aggressively. Credit card debt at 20%+ APR is a negative investment at 20% guaranteed return. Pay it off before investing beyond your employer match. Use our debt payoff calculator to build a plan.

3. Invest early and often. Time in the market beats timing the market. $500/month invested at 7% real return from age 25 to 65 = ~$1.2 million. Starting at 35 yields only ~$567,000. Every year of delay costs tens of thousands.

4. Build equity through real estate. Homeownership forces savings (each mortgage payment increases equity) and historically appreciates 3-4% annually. Leverage amplifies returns — 20% down on a property that appreciates 4% is a 20% return on your invested capital.

5. Increase your income. Cutting expenses has limits. Income growth has no ceiling. Invest in skills that command higher pay, negotiate raises above inflation, build side income, pursue promotions aggressively. Every $10,000 raise invested at 20% for 20 years = $120,000+ additional net worth.

Bonus: Avoid lifestyle inflation. When you get a raise, save at least 50% of the increase. Lifestyle creep is the #1 reason high earners still have low net worth.