How much pension should I have at 27?

The median UK pension pot at age 27 is around £7,500. However, whether that is enough depends on the retirement lifestyle you want. For a moderate retirement (£31,300/yr), you would need a pot of roughly £395,960 by age 67, assuming full state pension.

What is the average pension pot at 27 in the UK?

Based on ONS data, the median pension pot for someone aged 27 in the UK is approximately £7,500. The mean (average) is typically higher because a small number of very large pots skew it upward — the median is a more useful benchmark for most people.

Am I behind on my pension at 27?

It depends on your target. If you have £7,500 or more at age 27 and you are contributing at least £160/month, you are around the median. But the median saver is not necessarily on track for a comfortable retirement. Use a retirement readiness calculator to check whether your specific pot and contributions will meet your goals.

← Retirement readiness calculator

Pension at 27

How much pension should you have at 27?

The median UK pension pot at age 27 is around £7,500. But is that enough? It depends on the retirement you want. Here are the numbers for all three PLSA living standards — and what you can do if there's a gap.

Median pension pot at 27

£7,500

Based on ONS Wealth and Assets Survey data (illustrative)

Typical monthly contribution

£160/mo

Years to state pension

Projected pot at 67

£242,307

Target pot at 67 by lifestyle

Getting by

£14,400/yr

£57,960

needed by 67

Median saver: 100%+ on track

Living well

£31,300/yr

£395,960

needed by 67

Median saver: 61% on track

Enjoying life

£43,100/yr

£631,960

needed by 67

Median saver: 38% on track

Assumes full state pension (£11,502/yr from 67), retirement to age 87, and median pot with typical contributions growing at 5% minus 0.75% fees.

What extra contributions from 27 could produce by 67

£100/month

+£125,860over 40yr

£200/month

+£251,719over 40yr

£300/month

+£377,579over 40yr

£500/month

+£629,299over 40yr

These are additional contributions on top of what you already save. Growth assumed at 5% nominal minus 0.75% fees.

Want your personal score?

The median tells you where most people are. Our retirement readiness calculator tells you where you are.

Check your score

Building momentum — what to think about at 27

Your late twenties are when pension contributions start to feel real. You may have changed jobs once or twice, possibly leaving behind a small pot or two. If you haven't already, now is the time to track down any old workplace pensions — they're your money, and consolidating them into one pot can reduce fees and make planning easier.

At 27, you still have 35+ years of compounding ahead of you. A £200/month contribution started now could grow to over £200,000 by retirement at 5% growth — even without any increase in contributions over time.

If your employer offers salary sacrifice, check whether you're using it. It saves both you and your employer National Insurance, meaning more money goes into your pension for the same cost to you.

Useful calculators

Pension by age

Age 25 Age 30 Age 35 Age 40 Age 45 Age 50 Age 55 Age 60 Age 65

Things to consider

•Median pot figures are illustrative estimates derived from ONS Wealth and Assets Survey data. Your actual pot depends on your contribution history, employer match, fund choice, and fees.
•Target pots use the PLSA Retirement Living Standards (2024/25 single-person figures) and assume full state pension from age 67, with retirement lasting to age 87.
•Projections use 5% nominal growth and 0.75% annual fees. Actual returns will vary. Figures are in nominal terms and do not account for inflation.
•Being above or below the median says nothing about whether you personally are on track — it depends on your target lifestyle, other savings, property wealth, and state pension entitlement.
•This is general information, not personal financial advice. For personalised guidance, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser.

This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.

For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.