How much pension should I have at 46?

The median UK pension pot at age 46 is around £73,333. 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 46 in the UK?

Based on ONS data, the median pension pot for someone aged 46 in the UK is approximately £73,333. 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 46?

It depends on your target. If you have £73,333 or more at age 46 and you are contributing at least £420/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.

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Pension at 46

How much pension should you have at 46?

The median UK pension pot at age 46 is around £73,333. 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 46

£73,333

Based on ONS Wealth and Assets Survey data (illustrative)

Typical monthly contribution

£420/mo

Years to state pension

Projected pot at 67

£349,197

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: 88% on track

Enjoying life

£43,100/yr

£631,960

needed by 67

Median saver: 55% 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 46 could produce by 67

£100/month

+£40,585over 21yr

£200/month

+£81,170over 21yr

£300/month

+£121,754over 21yr

£500/month

+£202,924over 21yr

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.

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Serious planning — what to think about at 46

At 46, retirement is no longer abstract — it's within planning distance. This is when most people first sit down and actually calculate whether their pension will be enough. For many, the answer is sobering.

The good news: you're likely earning more than you ever have, and your major expenses (mortgage, childcare) may be easing. This creates headroom to increase pension contributions significantly. Even 5 years of higher contributions from 46 can add tens of thousands to your pot.

This is also the age to start thinking about your pension's investment mix. If you're in a default workplace fund, it may be heavily weighted toward equities — which is appropriate. But if you're in an overly cautious fund, you could be sacrificing years of growth with nearly two decades still to go.

Useful calculators

Pension by age

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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.