The median RRSP balance among Canadian holders aged 45–54 is approximately $105,000 CAD, according to Statistics Canada data. For those aged 55–64, the median is approximately $165,000. These figures reflect Canadians who hold an RRSP with a positive balance — approximately 35–40% of tax filers contribute in a given year.
Enter your RRSP balance and age group below to find your percentile among Canadian RRSP holders.
Last updated: May 25, 2026.
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How does your RRSP compare to your income percentile? Check your Canadian income percentile to see both sides of the picture.
RRSP Balance by Age: Median and Key Benchmarks
| Age Group | Median RRSP Balance | Top 25% (75th) | Top 10% (90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–34 | $18,000 | $62,000 | $160,000 |
| 35–44 | $55,000 | $175,000 | $415,000 |
| 45–54 | $105,000 | $320,000 | $720,000 |
| 55–64 | $165,000 | $480,000 | $1,050,000 |
| 65+ | $100,000 | $360,000 | $900,000 |
Source: Statistics Canada, CRA tax data, National Payroll Institute 2024. Figures are CAD. Reflects RRSP holders with positive balances — excludes those with no RRSP savings. The 65+ group shows lower medians as many have begun RRIF withdrawals or converted their RRSP.
The top 10% gap widens significantly with age. Among 55–64 year-olds, the top 10% hold more than six times the median balance — a reflection of how decades of compounding, higher salaries, and employer matching amplify differences in savings rate.
How Many Canadians Have an RRSP?
- Approximately $1.6 trillion in total RRSP assets are held by Canadians as of 2024
- About 35% of tax filers contribute to an RRSP in any given year
- Many more Canadians hold an RRSP with accumulated prior contributions but are not actively contributing
- Approximately $40+ billion in RRSP contribution room goes unused each year
If you have any RRSP savings, you are already ahead of a meaningful portion of your age group. The biggest RRSP gap is between those who start early and those who start late — the compounding difference between starting at 25 vs. 35 is substantial.
RRSP vs. TFSA: Which Should You Prioritise?
| Factor | Favour RRSP | Favour TFSA |
|---|---|---|
| Current marginal tax rate | High (33%+) | Low (under 26%) |
| Expected retirement income | Lower than today | Higher than today (rare) |
| OAS clawback risk | Not a concern now | Worried about clawback above $90,997 |
| Employer matching | — | — |
| Government benefit income-testing | RRSP withdrawals count as income | TFSA withdrawals do not |
General rule: High earners maximise RRSP first for the deduction, then TFSA. Lower earners and those with GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) entitlements prioritise TFSA because RRSP withdrawals count as income and can reduce benefit eligibility.
See the full RRSP vs. TFSA guide for a complete comparison.
Worked Example: Is $80,000 a Good RRSP at Age 42?
Scenario: David is 42, earns $85,000 in Ontario, and has $80,000 in his RRSP. He has contributed roughly $6,000 per year for the past 12 years.
Percentile result: $80,000 at age 35–44 is approximately the 62nd–65th percentile — David has more RRSP savings than about 63% of his age-group peers.
Retirement target check: Assuming David retires at 65 and wants $55,000/year in retirement income, he’ll receive roughly $14,000 from CPP (average benefit) and $8,700 from OAS, leaving $32,300 to fund from private savings. Using a 4% drawdown rate, he needs approximately $807,500 in total savings by retirement.
The gap and the path: David has 23 years to grow his $80,000 and add contributions. At $10,000/year in RRSP contributions and 6% annual growth, he’d accumulate roughly $680,000 from contributions alone — plus $80,000 growing at 6% for 23 years adds another $310,000, giving approximately $990,000. David appears broadly on track.
2026 RRSP Contribution Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 contribution limit | $32,490 (or 18% of 2025 earned income, whichever is less) |
| Contribution deadline | 60 days after December 31, 2025 (i.e., March 1, 2026 for the 2025 tax year) |
| Over-contribution penalty | 1% per month on amounts exceeding $2,000 over your limit |
| Spousal RRSP | You can contribute to a spousal RRSP to split income in retirement |
| RRSP to RRIF | Must convert by December 31 of the year you turn 71 |
| RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan | Withdraw up to $35,000 tax-free for first home purchase |
| RRSP Lifelong Learning Plan | Withdraw up to $10,000/year ($20,000 total) for full-time education |
Check your exact contribution room in My Account at CRA — it accumulates from unused prior years.
Related Canadian Retirement Guides
- Average RRSP balance by age — detailed Canadian benchmarks
- RRSP vs. TFSA guide — which account to prioritise
- RRSP contribution limit 2026 — current rules and carry-forward
- RRSP withdrawal rules — taxes, timing, and RRIF conversion
- Canadian income percentile calculator — where your salary ranks
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