The figure drops to less than a third for single pensioners, according to the analysis of Government data from provider iSIPP.

Average incomes before tax were £30,570 for typical pensioners, rising to £41,130 for couples and dropping to £20,120 for single pensioners.

Benefits, including the State Pension, formed the biggest proportion of incomes at 44%.

Investment income contributes just over £2,100 year to average pensioner earnings.

The majority (97%) of retired people received the State Pension while 71% had private/workplace pension income. Around one in seven (14%) had earnings from work while 58% had some investment income.

Hrishi Kulkarni, managing director at iSIPP, said: “Private pensions make a major contribution to income in retirement, with more than 70% of retired people having some income from retirement savings either through an employer or private pensions.

“However, it is instructive to find out that pensions only provide 36% of income in retirement with benefits, including the State Pension, accounting for a higher proportion of retirement income.

• iSIPP analysed the latest Government data for retirement incomes from the 2021/22 tax year.

• Our Annual Financial Planning Profession Survey 2023 is now open so please take a little time to take part and share your views on the profession. We will be publishing highlights of the results in September and it's great opportunity to tell us how your firm is doing and to comment on key Financial Planning topics. There's also the bonus of a prize draw to win one of five £50 M&S vouchers. More details here and a link to the survey: Financial Planning Profession Survey