P
Pulsafi

Average Retirement Age (2026)

62
Median age Americans actually retire
Summary

The median actual retirement age in the US is 62 in 2026 — well below the 67 most workers cite as their target. Roughly 56% of retirees retire earlier than planned, often involuntarily (job loss, health issues, or care for family). Only 5% of workers retire after age 70.

Breakdown

Median actual retirement age62
Average target retirement age67
% retiring earlier than planned56%
% retiring after age 705%
Average years in retirement20+
Source
Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)· As of 2026-Q1

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Average Social Security Benefit 2026

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All Pulsafi stats are sourced from primary government data and major financial institutions. Read the full methodology and data-sources page.