Working late: 3.3 million Aussies expect to work past retirement age
Millions of Australians admit they won't be able to afford to retire at the traditional retirement age of 67, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 514 workers aged 30 or older found almost 1 in 3 (30%) don't think they will have enough money in their super fund or other investments to stop working by 67.
That's equivalent to 3.3 million people who can't afford to stop work.
The research found 12% plan to retire earlier than 67, while 18% simply want to keep working regardless of their financial position.
Alison Banney, superannuation expert at Finder, said the idea of retiring comfortably at 67 is becoming less realistic for many people.
"Millions of Australians are facing the possibility that retirement will arrive before their savings are ready.
"For some, working past 67 won't be a choice – it will be a financial necessity."
Banney said Australians shouldn't rely solely on the Age Pension as a retirement safety net.
"The Age Pension is asset tested, which means your savings or property could affect whether you qualify for payments.
"Many Australians assume it will cover their retirement, but the reality is it's designed to provide only a basic standard of living."
According to Finder's Wealth Building Report, 41% of wealthy investors make extra super contributions, compared to just 33% of average Australians.
The report revealed a 30-year old who increases their individual contributions by $5,000 a year
(equivalent to $96 per week) until retirement age, could have an extra $693,039 in their superannuation when they reach 65.
Banney said Australians concerned about their retirement outlook should consider boosting their super balance sooner rather than later.
"Making extra contributions to your super through salary sacrificing can be one of the most tax-effective ways to grow your retirement savings.
"Investment earnings on super are taxed at a maximum of 15%, which can make it a powerful long-term investment vehicle."
Banney said even small contributions can make a significant difference over time.
"Putting away an extra $100 a month may not feel like much, but over the course of your working life it can add tens of thousands of dollars to your retirement balance thanks to compounding.
"It's also important to check that your super fund fees are competitive and that your employer is paying your Superannuation Guarantee contributions on time."
Finder's data shows women are worse affected with 37% admitting they won't have enough money to retire at 67, compared to 24% of men.
Will you be able to retire at 67 years old?
| No, I'll have to keep working | 30% |
| No, I want keep working | 18% |
| No, I plan to retire earlier than 67 years old | 12% |
| Yes | 39% |
| Source: Finder survey of 514 respondents aged 30 or over who are employed or looking for work, February 2026 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 514 respondents aged 30 or over who are employed or looking for work, from February 2026.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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