Overview
- Among workers with a defined-contribution account, the median balance is $40,000, far above the workforce-wide median that includes non-savers.
- Only 63% of workers are offered a workplace plan and 62% participate, leaving many—especially in the private sector—without an easy way to save.
- Relative to age-based targets, the median worker has saved about 4% of the goal, rising to 18% for those with positive balances.
- Gaps by income, education and race are stark, with lowest earners contributing about $580 annually versus roughly $10,000 for higher earners and Hispanic workers facing the largest access gap.
- Averages mask the shortfall—$93,229 across all workers and $179,082 among account holders—while provider and Fed figures often reflect savers rather than the full workforce.