We get a lot of e-mails regarding the average 401k balance.  Vanguard and Fidelity manage a lot of 401k plans and provide updates on these plans each year.  Here's Fidelity's  update on our retirement savings.  The 401khelpcenter provided this information.

Below are some interesting Fidelity statistics on the current state of retirement savings for Baby Boomers (Born between 1946-1964). These stats were release on the eve of the 2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings.

• Boomers have $35,000 in median total household personal retirement savings.
• Boomers typically save $2,750 annually for retirement.
• Boomers are on track to replace 59% of their pre-retirement income.
• Boomers who save in a 401k have an average 401k account balance of $80,000.
• 57% of Boomers expect to receive a pension (either own or spouse's).
• 22% of Boomers will rely on the sale of their primary home for income in retirement.
• 69% of Boomers will rely on working at least part-time for income in retirement.
• Of the 69% of Boomers expecting to work in retirement:
  • 68% will do so to cover basic expenses.
  • 52% will do so to receive employer health benefits.
  • 23% will do so because they want to stay busy (not to cover expenses