ATO Data Reveals Australia’s Super Gap: Women Still Retiring Tens of Thousands Behind Men Despite Growing Balances

New figures from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have revealed how much Australians have accumulated in their superannuation by age and the data exposes a stark gender divide as retirement approaches. While overall balances continue to rise, the gap between men and women in their early 60s remains significant.

The average super balance has climbed from $173,000 to $183,000, a 5.5 per cent increase that reflects strong market performance and steady contributions. But the headline improvement masks a troubling reality: women nearing retirement still hold far less super than men.

Analysis from the Super Members Council shows the gender super gap for Australians approaching retirement now sits at 26 per cent. Men aged 60 to 64 hold an average balance of $413,700, compared with $327,400 for women a difference of $86,300. Median balances tell a similar story, with men at around $236,000 and women at $175,000, leaving a $61,000 shortfall.

“Super balances are growing, which is great news for millions of Australians’ retirement incomes but women are still retiring tens of thousands of dollars behind men, and that gap must be fixed,” said Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert.

The disparity persists despite women making extra personal contributions at higher rates than men 11.6 per cent compared with 10 per cent and contributing slightly more on average ($28,900 versus $28,100). Structural issues such as career breaks, part‑time work and the gender pay gap continue to shape long‑term outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that a single homeowner now needs $630,000 in super by age 67 to retire comfortably, while a couple requires $730,000. ASFA has also outlined how much Australians should ideally have saved at different ages to stay on track for that target, assuming a future pre‑tax income of $65,000.

As balances rise but inequalities persist, the debate over how to close the gender super gap is set to intensify especially as more Australians edge closer to retirement.