New study reveals attractive employees earn nearly twenty thousand dollars more as pretty privilege impacts salaries across workplaces in the United States
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New study reveals attractive employees earn nearly twenty thousand dollars more as pretty privilege impacts salaries across workplaces in the United States

In today’s work culture, showing up polished and confident can be just as valuable as your resume.

According to new research, being considered conventionally attractive in the workplace doesn’t just boost confidence — it might actually boost your salary too.

Forget the myth: pretty privilege is real, measurable, and influencing who gets hired, who gets promoted, and who brings home a bigger paycheck.

Attractive Workers Are Earning More — Sometimes Much More

A recent March 2025 report from Standout-CV, a virtual résumé building platform, laid it out plainly: workers who identify as “extremely attractive” are earning nearly $20,000 more per year than those who say they’re less good-looking.

After surveying over 1,000 working adults in the U.S., the researchers found that those who rated themselves as highly attractive reported earning an average salary of $63,954, compared to just $44,009 among those who felt less attractive.

So yes — it’s not just a feeling. It’s a financial gap.

It’s Not Just Looks — It’s the Investment in Appearance

But being attractive in the workplace doesn’t mean having model-perfect genes.

It often comes down to effort — and that effort comes with a price tag.

According to the report, 83% of respondents believed that people who invest more in their appearance are treated more favorably by colleagues and employers.

That means splurging on clothes, makeup, grooming products — even haircuts and skincare — to make sure they look the part.

Essentially, it’s the professional version of “dress for the job you want.”

TikTok Weighs In on Workplace Beauty Bias

The conversation around pretty privilege isn’t just happening in HR circles — it’s gone viral.

Former Wall Street executive Codie Sanchez made waves on TikTok when she shared a study revealing women can earn up to 25% more simply by being perceived as more attractive.

Her video, viewed by millions, broke down that it’s not about plastic surgery or having perfectly symmetrical features — it’s about how you present yourself.

Makeup, posture, grooming — it all adds up in how people see (and pay) you.

And as Codie bluntly put it:

“It actually makes sense to be a little vain — pretty privilege is a real thing, and more of us should have it.”

Beauty Isn’t Just Skin Deep — It’s Career Currency

This idea isn’t new. Back in 2016, sociologists Jaclyn S. Wong and Andrew M. Penner found that physically attractive people tended to earn more than the average worker.

But they also discovered that perceived attractiveness can shift — based on grooming habits, weight changes, and daily routines like wearing deodorant, styling hair, applying makeup, or even putting on perfume.

In other words, beauty is not always about your face — it’s often about the effort.

HR Expert Explains Why Looking Good Can Lead to Bigger Paychecks

Angela Tait, an HR consultant and recruiting expert based in Plano, Texas, confirmed that these findings aren’t just theory.

In her experience, hiring managers absolutely notice appearance — whether consciously or not.

Looking polished often translates to being perceived as more competent, trustworthy, and even leadership material.

And that perception can be the difference between being overlooked or being promoted.

“People are always assessing,” Tait said. “Even subtle details can influence whether you’re seen as confident or capable.”

You Don’t Need Full Glam — Just a Bit of Polish

If this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Tait doesn’t think anyone needs to go full red-carpet glam just to get a raise.

Her advice? Keep it simple and professional:

  • A little tinted moisturizer goes a long way.

  • Well-groomed eyebrows and a swipe of mascara can instantly freshen up your look.

  • A touch of lip color can help you command attention during meetings and encourage engagement when you speak.

It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about using small tools to elevate how you’re perceived.

The Bottom Line

While it might feel unfair, the reality is clear: appearance can impact career success.

Whether it’s higher salaries, more promotions, or simply getting a foot in the door, being seen as attractive or well-groomed can carry real weight.

The key takeaway? If you want to be taken seriously at work, it might not hurt to consider how you show up — because sometimes, looking the part does help you play the part.