Fidelity Reports Record High Average 401(k) Balances for Second Quarter of 2026
Average 401(k) balances reached a record high of $155,800 in the second quarter of 2026, marking the largest quarterly jump since 2020. This increase reflects a recovery from a slight drop in returns during the first quarter of the year. Data from Fidelity shows that 403(b) balances also reached new levels, while individual retirement accounts (IRAs) grew by 10% year over year. The growth was supported by consistent saving behaviors, with combined employer and employee contributions averaging 14.4% of pay. Additionally, 81.2% of participants were able to capture their full employer matching contribution. While account balances reached record highs, some workers are still facing economic concerns. Fidelity reported that 55% of workers surveyed expressed significant concern regarding the economy due to the rising cost of living and geopolitical factors. Despite these concerns, the data suggests that many Americans are saving systematically rather than sporadically, benefiting from the compounding effect of early and consistent contributions.
Sources
-
Fidelity 401(k) balances signal good news for American retirees
thestreet.com
-
Fidelity says average 401(k) balances surged 11% to a record $155K in Q2 — why some savers are falling behind
Yahoo Finance
-
Here's how 6 Americans became 401(k) millionaires
USA Today
-
How much money Americans in their 30s and 40s have in their 401(k)s—see how you stack up
CNBC