America’s retirement savings surged to a record high during the third quarter of 2025, according to Fidelity Investments.
Fidelity based its analysis of retirement account balances on the more than 52 million IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts at the firm.
A combination of diligent savings and strong stock market performance drove each of the three major retirement account types 5% higher than the average balances the prior quarter. Fidelity says the higher balances are impressive given “ongoing concerns about the state of the economy.”
Following is a rundown of how much people had saved in different types of retirement accounts as the end of the third quarter of 2025.
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
Average balance as of the third quarter of 2025: $137,902
Change compared to:
- Third quarter of 2024: 7% increase
- Third quarter of 2015: 57% increase
Fidelity notes an interesting development in the world of IRA savings: Members of Generation Z are making nearly all their contributions — 95% — to Roth accounts. This is much higher than the share of Roth contributions that millennials (75%) and members of Generation X (66%) are making.
If you are trying to boost an IRA, check out how it could help with your tax burden in “IRS Boosts Limits for 7 Retirement Accounts — Including the First IRA Catch-up Hike in Ages. Here’s How Much More You Can Save in 2026.”
401(k) plans
Average balance as of the third quarter of 2025: $144,400
Change compared to:
- Third quarter of 2024: 9% increase
- Third quarter of 2015: 70% increase
Total 401(k) savings rates during the third quarter were 14.2%, the same as during the second quarter. That includes a 9.5% employee contribution rate and a 4.7% employer contribution rate.
Fidelity notes that savings rate is close to the firm’s recommendation that workers save at least 15% in combined employee and employer contributions in their retirement accounts.
Here is some additional good news: The average 401(k) balance for women who have had an account for 15 consecutive years topped $500,000 for the first time ever and stood at $501,100 at the end of the third quarter.
403(b) plans
Average balance as of the third quarter of 2025: $131,200
Change compared to:
- Third quarter of 2024: 10% increase
- Third quarter of 2015: 92% increase
A 403(b) plan is similar to a 401(k), but it’s typically available to people who work in public schools or for charities. As you might expect, the trends in 403(b) plan balances over the past year are similar to those of 401(k) plans.
Increasing your retirement account balance
Building a large retirement nest egg does not involve magic. Instead, you must commit to the effort, then slug it out day by day and step by step.
Over time, the little seeds you plant can become towering money trees. But it only happens if you create a plan and stick to it.
Think you have the bases covered when it comes to retirement planning? See if you can pass this basic quiz.
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