The latest pension overview published by Drees reveals an increase in the average amount of pensions in 2022. However, inequalities persist, particularly between men and women, and according to region. A look back at the figures and trends that shape the current pension landscape in France.
An average pension on the rise, but insufficient in the face of inflation
The Drees report establishes the average amount of direct retirement pensions at 1,512 euros net in 2022, a gross increase of 5.4% compared to the previous year. This increase, however, seems misleading when we take inflation into account: in constant euros, this increase actually translates into a decrease of 0.4%. In other words, the purchasing power of retirees has decreased slightly despite the nominal increase in their pension.
In 2022, 17 million people received a direct pension, an increase of around 1% compared to the previous year. To this number are added 4.4 million beneficiaries of a survivor's pension, which is paid to surviving spouses. In total, 353 billion euros were allocated to retirees, a significant amount which does not, however, mask the strong disparities existing within the system.
Pension inequalities between men and women remain marked, although they are tending to reduce. The average direct pension for women is 36% lower than that for men, i.e. 1,268 euros gross compared to 2,050 euros for men. In 2004, this gap was even more pronounced, reaching 50%. This relative improvement is explained by the increase in the activity rate of women and a general increase in their salaries, even if this remains insufficient to close the entire wage gap.
Significant geographical differences
Survivor's pensions, which mainly benefit women, reduce this gap to 26%. However, even including this additional income, women remain penalized, their average pension being 1,539 euros compared to 2,077 euros for men. These gaps can be explained by differences in professional career paths, with women often having shorter or interspersed careers and lower salaries on average.
In addition to gender differences, the report highlights notable regional disparities. Retirees in Île-de-France receive pensions significantly higher than the national average, particularly in Hauts-de-Seine, Paris and Yvelines, where the amounts exceed the national average by 35% to 39%. These areas benefit from a concentration of high incomes, particularly among retirees from executives and liberal professions.
Conversely, average pension amounts are lower in the north and north-east of France, as well as in the Massif Central and the overseas departments (DROM). In these regions, career paths that are often less remunerative and marked by interruptions contribute to a lower average.
New data from Drees highlights the challenges of redistribution within the pension system, with gaps persisting despite reforms. Efforts to align pensions between men and women are progressing but remain insufficient, and regional disparities show unequal access to comfortable retirements. The 2023 pension reform, which provides for a postponement of the retirement age by six months on average, could also influence future trajectories, although its concrete effects remain to be measured.
