Net worth benchmarks help you understand how your finances compare to where they should be at your life stage. Here are the key milestones and how actual Americans stack up.
Net Worth Milestones by Age (Salary-Based)
These targets are based on a percentage of your annual income — adjust for your actual salary.
| Age | Net Worth Target | Example: $60K Salary | Example: $90K Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 0.25x salary | $15,000 | $22,500 |
| 30 | 0.5x salary | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| 35 | 1x salary | $60,000 | $90,000 |
| 40 | 2x salary | $120,000 | $180,000 |
| 45 | 3x salary | $180,000 | $270,000 |
| 50 | 4.5x salary | $270,000 | $405,000 |
| 55 | 6x salary | $360,000 | $540,000 |
| 60 | 7.5x salary | $450,000 | $675,000 |
| 65 | 9x salary | $540,000 | $810,000 |
Average vs. Median Net Worth by Age (2026)
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Mean Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 |
| 35-44 | $135,600 | $549,000 |
| 45-54 | $247,200 | $975,800 |
| 55-64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 |
| 65-74 | $409,900 | $1,794,600 |
| 75+ | $335,600 | $1,624,100 |
Median is a better benchmark for most people as it isn’t skewed by the ultra-wealthy.
Net Worth Percentiles by Age (35-44)
| Percentile | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 10th | -$2,700 |
| 25th | $22,100 |
| 50th (median) | $135,600 |
| 75th | $404,100 |
| 90th | $970,000 |
| 99th | $3,400,000+ |
What Counts Toward Net Worth
| Asset Type | Counts as Asset |
|---|---|
| 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA | Yes |
| Home equity (value minus mortgage) | Yes |
| Investment accounts | Yes |
| Cash and savings | Yes |
| Vehicle equity | Yes |
| Business equity | Yes |
| Mortgage balance | Subtracted (liability) |
| Credit card debt | Subtracted (liability) |
| Student loans | Subtracted (liability) |
How to Build Net Worth Faster
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|---|
| Increase savings rate by 5% | Major long-term compounding benefit |
| Eliminate high-interest debt | Immediate guaranteed “return” |
| Invest consistently in index funds | Historical ~10% annual return |
| Buy a home (long-term) | Mortgage paydown builds significant equity |
| Increase income | More room to save and invest |
| Avoid lifestyle inflation | Keeps savings rate high as income rises |
Related: Average Net Worth by Age | Financial Milestones by Age | Savings Milestones by Age