How wide pay ranges may deter women from applying
Yahoo Finance·2026-03-05 16:35

Core Insights - Pay transparency in job descriptions is generally viewed positively, with 40% of workers losing interest in job listings lacking salary transparency [1] - Employers believe that pay transparency can enhance talent attraction and improve workplace culture [1] Group 1: Impact on Women - A study from Cornell University indicates that wide pay ranges can deter women from applying for jobs due to lesser negotiation drive compared to men [2] - Women show a preference for jobs with narrower salary ranges, which correlates with less assertive negotiation behaviors [3] - Women are more satisfied with midpoint salary offers and tend to negotiate for lower amounts, potentially perpetuating pay gaps [4] Group 2: Recruitment Challenges - Research from Washington State University highlights that wide pay ranges can negatively impact recruitment, with participants labeling a $100,000 pay range as "dishonest" and "ludicrous" [5] - Initial salary impacts future raises, bonuses, and career opportunities, indicating that a lower starting salary can have long-term effects [5]

How wide pay ranges may deter women from applying - Reportify