Average Net Worth by Age

It's natural to wonder how you stack up. Net worth tends to climb with age as people pay down debt and build assets — but the "average" can be wildly misleading. Here's how to think about it.

Why averages mislead

Average net worth figures are skewed sharply upward by a small number of very wealthy households. The median (the middle household) is far more representative of a typical person — and it's usually a fraction of the average. So when you see a big "average net worth" number, take it with a grain of salt.

The general shape by age

• 20s: Often near zero or negative, thanks to student loans and starter salaries. Totally normal.
• 30s: Debt starts shrinking and savings begin compounding — the curve turns upward.
• 40s–50s: Peak earning years; home equity and retirement accounts grow fastest here.
• 60s+: Net worth typically peaks around retirement, then is gradually drawn down.

Calculate where you stand right now on the net worth calculator.

A more useful benchmark than the average

Instead of chasing someone else's number, compare against your own income. A widely cited guideline suggests aiming for a net worth of roughly 1× your salary by 30, 3× by 40, and so on — the same kind of milestones in our retirement savings by age guide. The point isn't to hit an exact figure; it's to make sure the trend is heading up.

How to move up the curve faster

• Invest early and consistently so compounding works for you — see the compound interest calculator.
• Kill high-interest debt, which drags your net worth down every month.
• Avoid lifestyle creep — bank your raises instead of spending them.
• Track it quarterly so you can see the progress and stay motivated.

Your number versus last year matters far more than your number versus a stranger's.

Measure your progress

Frequently asked questions