HAIRDRESSERS, plumbers, receptionists and teachers will be among workers set to get a huge boost to their retirement nest egg.

The Senate last night approved the rise in compulsory employer superannuation from 9 per cent to 12 per cent as part of the mining tax package.

New figures to be released today by the Federal Government reveal the change will add as much as 25 per cent to superannuation accounts over a person's working life.

The increase applies across the workforce, regardless of income.

A 22-year-old hairdresser will get an extra $99,448 at retirement age, 67, with the increase taking projected superannuation from $405,015 to about $504,463.

The figures show a 25-year-old receptionist will have $94,487 more super, a 35-year-old plumber is in line for a $75,000 boost to their nest egg and a 40-year-old construction worker could get as much as $70,000 more.

Even a 55-year-old school teacher - 12 years from retirement - stands to receive $12,000 more.

The rise to 12 per cent will be phased in between 2013 and 2019.

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten said an average 30-year-old worker would gain about $110,000 when they retired.

"The golden goal of lifetime income security will become significantly easier to achieve, thanks to the mining tax," Mr Shorten told the Herald Sun.

"We know the mining boom is great news for the mining industry and the country - but we want to make sure those digging up Australian minerals are sharing their profits with average Australians."

The package will also deliver a superannuation tax cut of up to $500 for workers earning less than $37,000 because the Government is abolishing the 15 per cent tax on super contributions.

About two-thirds are women, who are mostly mothers working part-time.

Some business groups have warned forcing employers to pay higher super could threaten jobs.

The Coalition opposed the superannuation changes.

It will scrap the $500 tax cut for low-income earners, but keep the increased super guarantee levy if it wins power.

The Financial Services Council said increasing super from to 12 per cent would increase the national savings pot by $184 billion.

The council's chief executive John Brogdon said more super would take pressure off the growing demand for the age pension.

