Here's What the Average Man's Social Security Benefit Looks Like by Age
Key PointsAs of December 2025, the average retirement benefit among men is $2,282.28 per month compared to $1,872.43 for women.
In December 2025, the average Social Security benefit for men at retirement age was $2,282.28 per month, while the average for women was $1,872.43, resulting in a $409.85 difference. This disparity stems from historical differences in lifetime earnings and workforce participation. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates benefits based on an individual's highest-earning 35 years, adjusted for inflation.
Most retirees need more than 40% of their pre-retirement income to cover living expenses, a gap reflected in the average benefit differences. Men are expected to live an average of 18 more years after age 65, while women are expected to live 21 more years, meaning their benefits need to last longer. A 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is scheduled for 2027, which will increase the average monthly benefit for a 70-year-old man by about $91.
Full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67, depending on birth year, and is 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Married couples have options to claim spousal and survivor benefits, but these are typically worth less than an individual's own retirement benefit, making spousal benefits a significant consideration for financial planning.
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