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For high earners, saving for retirement isn’t just about discipline — it’s about standing out from the pack.
Many in the upper class work long hours, juggle demanding careers, and quietly pile money into their 401(k) year after year. But here’s the real question: how much have the wealthiest 20% actually managed to save in those accounts?
If you’re in that group — or aiming for it — you may be surprised at what the numbers reveal.
The definition of “upper class” varies, but economists generally peg it at households earning twice the national median income. With the U.S. median household income hovering around $74,000, that means a starting line of about $150,000 a year.
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It’s a wide tent. A newly promoted executive pulling in $160,000 may technically qualify, but they’re in a very different place from a partner at a law firm clearing $500,000. Still, $150,000 has become the shorthand for where “upper-class” status begins — and where savings habits really start to diverge.
According to Vanguard’s 2025 How America Saves report, participants earning $150,000 or more had an average 401(k) balance of roughly $336,000. The median balance was $188,000. That gap tells an important story: while some accounts are packed with seven figures, many fall closer to the median.
Here’s how those numbers stack up against lower brackets:
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$100,000–$149,999 earners: average balance $178,818; median $91,323
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$75,000–$99,999 earners: average balance $106,875; median $51,073
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All participants: average balance $148,153; median just $38,176
Even among top earners, the reality is that retirement balances aren’t always as impressive as you’d expect. A $336,000 balance may feel substantial, but for a household earning $200,000 a year, it represents only a year and a half of income.
Vanguard’s report includes everyone in that $150,000-plus bracket, from a 30-year-old software engineer just hitting stride to a 60-year-old executive closing in on retirement. The wide spread pulls the averages down. It’s also a reminder that a big paycheck doesn’t automatically translate into a fat nest egg.
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Of course, affluent households rarely keep all their wealth tied up in one employer plan. For many in the upper class, a 401(k) is just one piece of a much larger financial puzzle. Common additions include:
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Brokerage accounts for taxable investing
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Roth or traditional IRAs to diversify retirement savings
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Real estate holdings, from primary residences to rentals
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Employer perks like stock options, deferred comp, or pensions
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Alternative investments, from venture funds to crypto
The Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances highlights the full picture: households in the top 20% of income boast a median net worth north of $500,000, while the average shoots past $2 million when you add in homes, businesses, and other assets.
That’s where technology has stepped in. Juggling 401(k)s, brokerage accounts, taxes, and property can get overwhelming, even for financially savvy households. That’s why platforms like Range have gained traction among high earners.
Range is built to simplify the chaos of wealth management. It’s an all-in-one service that handles investing, tax optimization, and retirement planning — without the hidden fees or generic advice that frustrate many affluent families. Think of it as modern financial advice designed for high-income households who want more than spreadsheets and pie charts. With Range, you can:
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Balance your portfolio automatically
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Build for the future while reducing your tax burden
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Optimize your strategy for retirement freedom
For households already managing significant assets, Range offers exclusivity without complication — a way to feel in control without doing all the heavy lifting yourself.
So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re earning $150,000 or more, Vanguard’s data suggests the average 401(k) balance sits around $336,000. But don’t be fooled into thinking that alone secures your financial future. Retirement security for the upper class comes from multiple buckets — real estate, IRAs, taxable investments, and business ownership.
The real “upper-class” advantage isn’t just a fat paycheck. It’s building systems — whether through disciplined saving or platforms like Range — that make sure your wealth compounds efficiently, year after year.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not how much you earn that sets you apart. It’s how much you keep — and how smartly you grow it.
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This article What’s the Average 401(k) Balance of the ‘Upper Class’? Here’s What Top Earners Have Stashed Away originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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