In the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment and talent acquisition, one question continues to stir debate: should you include salary, or salary ranges in job ads? What was once an uncommon practice is now gaining momentum as companies rethink how they engage candidates and compete in the job market.

Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and strategic advantages of salary transparency in job postings.

The Case for Transparency
1. Builds Trust with Candidates
Including salary ranges signals openness and honesty. In an era where job seekers have more tools than ever to research companies, hiding compensation details can come off as evasive or outdated.
Surveys consistently show that job seekers overwhelmingly prefer listings that disclose salary ranges. Transparency fosters trust before the first interview, laying the groundwork for a more honest and productive hiring process.

2. Reduces Wasted Time
When salary expectations are misaligned, both employers and candidates lose valuable time. By stating pay ranges upfront, you can filter out mismatched applicants early in the process—streamlining recruiting and improving your chances of engaging candidates who are both qualified and realistically aligned with your compensation strategy.

3. Strengthens Employer Branding
Companies that embrace transparency tend to stand out in crowded hiring markets. Sharing salary ranges, along with details about benefits and career development opportunities, reflects a progressive and people-centred brand. Notably, companies with transparent job adverts reported a 9% gender pay gap, compared to a 19% gap among those without transparency-demonstrating a clear link between openness and pay equity.

Trust: The Currency of Modern Recruitment
Trust is a two-way street. Candidates want to know that their time, experience, and potential contributions are respected. Employers, meanwhile, want to find motivated individuals who align with their company values.

Publishing salary ranges creates a sense of mutual respect. It shows you're confident in your compensation philosophy and open to being held accountable for fair pay practices. As of early 2025, 71% of UK job adverts now list salary information, according to data from Indeed. This marks a substantial rise from the 47.7% figure recorded in June 2024, reflecting a 49% increase in salary transparency since 2019.
 

Challenges to Consider

Of course, disclosing salary isn't without its challenges. Clear pay bands, thoughtful communication, and structured compensation reviews can mitigate most issues however.

Including salary ranges in job ads isn’t just a trend—it’s a signal of where the future of work is headed. Candidates are increasingly prioritising fairness, openness, and respect in their job searches. Employers who meet those expectations head-on will be better positioned to attract, engage, and retain top talent.

Looking to build a more transparent and effective hiring process? Start with your job ads—and let compensation clarity lead the way. If you’ve got positions that need filling, let Cento help. With nearly 2 decades in the Building Services industry, we deliver the talent you need to drive your business forward. Give us a call on 01509 615290 or drop us an email at admin@centogroup.com.