Retirement pensions in France raise many questions, particularly about their average amount and the disparities that exist between retirees. Let’s dive into the numbers revealing the current situation and find out where you stand compared to the national average.
The average amount of retirement pensions in France
According to the latest report from the Department of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (Drees) published on October 30, 2023, the average monthly direct pension of retirees residing in France amounts to 1 626 euros gross. This amount takes into account the possible increase for three or more children. After deduction of social security contributions, this sum corresponds to 1 512 euros nets.
It is essential to note that these figures represent an average and do not necessarily reflect the situation of each retiree. Indeed, many factors influence the amount of pensions, such as:
- The contribution period
- The sector of activity
- The level of remuneration during the career
- The gender
These different elements contribute to creating significant disparities between retirees, as we will see in the rest of this article.
Persistent gaps between men and women
One of the most striking disparities concerns the pension gap between men and women. Indeed, the figures reveal a large gender gap :
| Genre | Average pension (gross) |
|---|---|
| Women | 1 268 € |
| Men | 2 050 € |
This difference of almost 800 euros represents a gap of 38% between men’s and women’s pensions in 2022. However, it is essential to note that this gap tends to narrow over the years. In 2004, it was 50%, which shows a positive, although slow, evolution.
Several factors explain this gradual reduction:
- The increase in the activity rate of women
- Increasing their level of qualification
- The establishment of old age insurance for stay-at-home parents (AVPF) in 1972
The AVPF notably allows women, under certain conditions, to acquire retirement rights for the education of their children. This measure helps to reduce the impact of career interruptions on women’s pensions.
Distribution of pensions: between precariousness and comfort
Beyond the averages, it is necessary to examine the distribution of pensions to have a more precise vision of the situation of retirees in France. Data from the end of 2020 reveals significant disparities:
34% of retirees residing in France receive a direct pension of less than or equal to 1000 euros gross per month. This proportion is particularly high among women (49%) compared to men (15%). On the other end of the spectrum, 8% of retirees receive more than 3,000 euros gross monthly, with a clear male predominance (14% of men compared to 3% of women).
These figures underline the importance of taking professional careers into account when analyzing retirement pensions. Indeed, developments in professions and work in France have a direct impact on future pension amounts.
The impact of a full career on pensions
When we look at retirees who have completed a full career, the figures differ slightly:
- 16% have a pension of less than 1000 euros gross monthly
- 10% benefit from a pension greater than 3,000 euros gross monthly
These data highlight the importance of the contribution period in the calculation of pensions. However, even among full careers, gaps persist between men and women, mainly due to differences in sectors of activity and significant salary gaps during their professional life.
It is essential to note that these disparities can also be influenced by professional mobility. Indeed, the French are not always ready to move for a job, which can limit opportunities for salary advancement and, therefore, impact future pensions.
To summarize, the question of retirement pensions in France reveals contrasting realities. While the national average provides a benchmark, it masks significant disparities linked to gender, professional background and length of contribution. Understanding these nuances is essential to assess your own situation in relation to all French retirees.
