Most Job Listings Still Omit Salary Information
A new analysis finds that fewer than half of U.S. job openings provide transparent compensation data to candidates.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Employment
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A Headcount Labs analysis of over 3 million job postings reveals that only 44.7% of employers currently disclose salary ranges. The median advertised annual salary midpoint stands at $107,450 for the positions reviewed.
Why it matters
The study highlights significant transparency gaps in the labor market, as job seekers face varying disclosure rates depending on their state of residence. These disparities reflect a lack of standardized practices across the broader U.S. employment landscape.
Researchers found the median hourly wage is $21.08, with half of all analyzed listings remaining posted for at least 43 days. Washington state leads in disclosure at 70.9%, while Mississippi trails at 24.9%.
The players
Headcount Labs
This research organization specializes in compiling and analyzing employment data from employer career sites and job boards.
The details
The research compiled data from employer career sites and job boards to track millions of openings, noting that remote work remains scarce at just 2.3% of listings. New snapshots of the market are generated by the firm approximately every two weeks.
Timeline
October 14, 2026, served as the data snapshot date for the analysis.
Macro View
The study mirrors ongoing shifts in labor market transparency, following the pattern set by the Pay Transparency Act in Washington. Higher disclosure rates in specific states show how regional legislation continues to influence employer practices compared to historical norms.
Job seekers should anticipate that the majority of listings will not include salary figures, potentially complicating salary negotiations and budget planning. Applicants in states like Mississippi may face greater difficulty in assessing potential pay prior to applying.
The takeaway
Transparency remains inconsistent, making it essential for job seekers to prepare for salary discussions without relying on publicly posted data. Understanding that many postings are older than six weeks may also help candidates gauge the urgency of employer hiring needs.
Further reading
For broader trends on hiring and pay, see the latest Employment reports.
Live Poll
Do you believe all employers should be required to list salary ranges in job advertisements?
