How much pension should you have at 43?
The median UK pension pot at age 43 is around £60,000. 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.
The median tells you where most people are. Our retirement readiness calculator tells you where you are.
Check your scoreYour early forties are typically your peak earning years, which makes this the most efficient time to boost pension contributions. Higher earnings mean more tax relief on contributions — and if you're a higher-rate taxpayer, you get 40% relief on every pound you contribute.
At 43, you still have 20+ years of growth ahead. That's enough time for compounding to roughly double a lump sum at historical average returns. But it's no longer enough time to rely on small contributions alone.
If you've been contributing the auto-enrolment minimum (8%) throughout your career, you're likely behind where you need to be for a moderate retirement. The auto-enrolment minimum was designed as a floor, not a target. Most financial planners suggest 12–15% of salary (including employer) as a more realistic figure.
- •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 (2026 single-person spending outside London, excluding rent and mortgage payments) 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 today's money with 2.5% inflation and contributions that rise with inflation. Targets allow for illustrative 2026/27 England, Wales and Northern Ireland pension income tax; withdrawals are fully taxable and Scottish tax differs.
- •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.
Estimates use 2026/27 tax rates. Illustrative 2026/27 England, Wales and Northern Ireland income tax; pension income only, fully taxable, no tax-free withdrawals or other allowances. Scottish tax differs.