Should Salaries Be Shown on Job Adverts?

Should Salaries Be Shown on Job Adverts?

It’s a topic that continues to divide opinion: should salaries be displayed on job adverts? In the UK, some firms are moving towards transparency, while many still prefer to keep this information under wraps. But in the USA – where Kingsley also recruits – the landscape has already shifted.

Why the US made it law In several US states, it is now a legal requirement to display salary ranges on job postings. This movement stems from pay equity legislation, aimed at reducing the gender and diversity pay gap. By mandating salary disclosure, lawmakers hope to level the playing field, ensuring all applicants start the process with the same information. It also encourages accountability for businesses, forcing them to be consistent and fair in how roles are benchmarked.

The benefits of transparency Candidates in both the UK and US find clarity around pay hugely beneficial. It saves time, removes ambiguity, and builds trust. For employers, salary visibility can strengthen their employer brand, attract stronger applications, and demonstrate commitment to fairness.

The counterarguments That said, some employers argue that publishing salaries limits flexibility in negotiations or risks deterring good applicants who may have been open to discussion. Others prefer to spotlight culture, benefits, or progression opportunities before pay comes into play.

Will the UK follow suit? The UK has so far stopped short of introducing legislation, though discussions around pay transparency are growing louder. Campaign groups and policymakers continue to call for clearer disclosure, citing similar reasons to those that drove change in the US: fairness, equality, and efficiency in hiring. While it remains optional for now, the momentum suggests greater transparency is on the horizon.

At Kingsley, we see both perspectives daily. But what’s clear is that candidates increasingly expect salary information early in the process – and firms who embrace openness are more likely to stand out and secure the right people.