Rise in Savings, Markets Drive Fidelity Retirement Accounts to Record Highs

Average 401(k), individual retirement account and 403(b) plan balances recordkept by Fidelity Investments reached record highs in the third quarter of 2025, according to the firm’s “Q3 2025 Retirement Analysis,” released on Thursday. The firm stated that consistent savings and positive stock market performance drove the results.

The average 401(k) balance increased to $144,400—a 5% increase from Q2, according to the report. Q3’s uptick marks the sixth quarter-over-quarter balance increase in the last eight quarters—and resulted in a 70% increase from Q3 2015.

“Americans are continuing to exhibit impactful savings behaviors such as staying the course and focusing on long-term goals, which clearly is having a positive effect on retirement savings,” said Sharon Brovelli, president of workplace investing at Fidelity, in a statement. “To see balances and saving behaviors increase across all savings vehicles is encouraging, especially as savers continue to navigate an uncertain economic environment.”

Average IRA and 403(b) balances also grew 5% from their Q2 totals, reaching $137,902 and $131,200, respectively. The average IRA balance is up 57% from Q3 2015, and the average 403(b) balance is up 92% over the same period.

In addition, Fidelity found that female long-term savers have made strides in their retirement savings. The average balance for women who have participated continuously in their employer’s 401(k) for 15 years crossed $500,000 for the first time in Q3, rising to $501,100. The milestone marked a 16.5% increase from Q3 2024.

The research also showed an increase in Roth 401(k) adoption among all participants: 17.5% of participants contributed to a Roth 401(k) in Q3, up from 15.9% who did so a year earlier. The younger generations are leading this trend, with 19% of Millennials and 20% of Generation Z retirement savers choosing to contribute to the after-tax accounts.

Roth also continues to be the IRA of choice among younger participants: 95% of Gen Z members invested their contributions in Roth accounts last quarter, compared with 75% and 66% of Millennials and Generation X, respectively, who did so.

“Retirement is about taking a long-term view, and the growing interest in Roth products shows that investors recognize their potential for tax advantages and long-term growth,” said Robert Mascialino, Fidelity’s president of wealth, in a statement. “By creating a plan and saving consistently, investors of all ages are positioning themselves for a financially secure retirement.”