2018 Universe Benchmarks Highlights Highlights from the 2018 Universe Benchmarks Report. Average plan balances hit record highs, assisted by strong market returns and increased contributions. The average plan balance grew 14% in 2017. Get more insights from the full report. Purchase the report $116,860 year-end 2017 average plan balance. 50% Among workers participating for at least two years, average balances up nearly 50%. Auto enrollment continues to drive up participation rates. 80% average participation rate in 2017 87% participation rate for plans with auto enrollment 63% participation rate for plans without auto enrollment Average savings rates increased. 7.7 Average savings rate in 2016 7.9 Average savings rate in 2017 1/4 Nearly one-quarter of all participants are enrolled in automatic contribution escalation. Participants reaped the benefits of a strong year on Wall Street. 16% was the average return on investments in 2017 1 in 3 participants had a rate of return of 20% or more Target date funds are widely (mis)used. 75% participants invested in target date funds when available 40% of target date fund users were also invested in other funds