From July 1 major changes to superannuation will kick in, with employers required to pay super contributions of 12 per cent of a workers annual earnings. 

This is up from the current rate of 11.5 per cent required by law.

The hike will serve as the fifth and final in a series of boosts that were first introduced in 2021 in order for Aussies to meet the basic needs for retirement.

New research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia found that with the changes factored in, a 30-year-old with a super balance of $30,000 today who earns a median wage of $75,000 is forecast to accumulate a super balance of $610,000 upon reaching 67 years of age.

This is due to due the fact that employees entering the workforce today will receive higher superannuation contributions for a longer amount of time than those who preceded them.

The Super Members Council revealed that the vast majority of Australia’s 12 million workers are not aware about the imminent changes, and that the government and superannuation funds needed to do a better of job of informing the public.

SMC Chief executive Misha Schubert said, “this increase to people’s super is a powerful step forward for Australians’ financial futures” and added “too many people don't yet know it's happening."

A person earning $60,000 will see their superannuation payments increase from $6,900 to $7,200, while those earning $150,000 will receive $18,000 up from $17,250.

Those earning $200,000 a year will see $24,000 enter their super accounts up from $23,000.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the average yearly salary of a full-time Australian worker is $100,000.

The staggered increase to super payments was pursued to give businesses ample time to adjust to the changes.  

The current median super balance for 60 to 64-year-old men is $205,000, while women in the same age bracket hold only $154,000 in their accounts.

However, the changes aren’t all good news, with workers receiving super within their salary set to receive a reduction in their pay to compensate for the increase.

Those who salary sacrifice into their super accounts will also be at a disadvantage, and will be slugged additional taxes and levies if they breach the $30,000 concessional contributions cap.

ASFA states that for a someone to experience a comfortable retirement at least $595,000 in superannuation is needed, while a couple needs $690,000.