Should You List the Salary in Your Job Posting? The Data Says Yes
For years, salary information in job postings was treated like a secret handshake—something only revealed after rounds of interviews and negotiation. But that approach is quickly becoming outdated.
In today’s job market, salary transparency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a competitive advantage. More states are mandating it, more candidates expect it, and the data overwhelmingly supports that companies benefit when they embrace it.
So, should you list the salary in your job posting? The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why.
1. It Increases the Number of Qualified Applicants
If your goal is to attract more right-fit candidates, salary transparency helps.
A survey by Indeed found that job postings including salary ranges saw 30% more applications, and 75% of job seekers said they’d be more likely to apply when compensation is shown. That’s not just more applications—it’s often better ones. When candidates know the compensation range upfront, they can quickly determine if the role aligns with their expectations and experience level. This reduces mismatches and helps your team focus on serious, qualified applicants.
Takeaway: If you want to reduce noise and find the right candidate faster, salary transparency is a powerful filter.
2. It Builds Trust with Candidates
Transparency breeds trust—and that starts with your job post.
In a 2023 Glassdoor survey, 72% of employees said salary transparency is the number one factor in building trust with a potential employer. Especially in a market where candidates are evaluating multiple opportunities at once, being upfront about compensation signals respect and integrity.
When employers hold back on salary details, candidates often assume the worst: that the company either undervalues the role or will lowball the offer. That assumption can discourage top talent from applying in the first place.
Tip: Even if you're posting a broad salary range, explain how it’s structured—such as by experience level or internal pay bands. This context builds confidence and helps set realistic expectations.
3. It Saves Time for Everyone Involved
No one benefits from a lengthy hiring process that ends in salary misalignment. By listing compensation upfront, you reduce the risk of mismatched expectations—and avoid wasting time on both sides.
A 2024 SHRM Talent Acquisition report noted that unclear or undisclosed compensation is one of the top reasons candidates drop out of the hiring process. And in a market where candidates often juggle multiple offers, clarity and speed are crucial.
Takeaway: Transparency makes the hiring process more efficient and respectful—for both recruiters and candidates.
4. It Helps You Stay Compliant with New Pay Transparency Laws
Pay transparency laws are on the rise. States like California, Colorado, New York, and Washington now require salary ranges in job postings. Even if you’re based in a state without these rules, remote job listings may still need to comply based on where the candidate is located.
As of early 2025, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. workers are covered by some form of pay transparency law, according to HR Dive. Noncompliance could result in legal consequences and damage to your employer brand.
Tip: Stay ahead of legal risk by developing a standardized approach to how you define and communicate salary ranges in job ads.
5. It Strengthens Your Employer Brand
Salary transparency is more than a compliance requirement—it’s part of a modern employer brand.
Candidates share job listings, compare notes, and talk publicly about their experiences. Listings without salary often stand out—for the wrong reasons. Transparent companies, on the other hand, are seen as fair, forward-thinking, and trustworthy.
A clear compensation range shows that you value accountability, fairness, and employee well-being—all things that resonate with today’s job seekers, especially millennials and Gen Z.
Takeaway: In a competitive hiring market, your employer brand is one of your biggest assets. Transparency helps you differentiate yourself in a positive way.
Final Thoughts: Transparency Is the New Standard
Salary transparency isn’t a trend—it’s quickly becoming the new baseline. It helps attract more qualified applicants, reduces costly hiring delays, keeps you compliant, and strengthens your brand in the eyes of today’s candidates.
If you’re still omitting salary from your job postings, it’s time to ask: what are you really gaining by keeping it hidden—and what are you losing by staying silent?
