We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but in the workplace, it turns out that your “cover” might just be affecting your paycheck more than you’d expect.

New data and expert insights are making it clear—pretty privilege isn’t just a buzzword.

It’s a real and measurable force influencing how much people earn, how quickly they climb the ladder, and how they’re perceived on the job.

A $20,000 Difference Based on Looks?

According to a detailed March 2025 report from Standout-CV, a popular résumé-building platform, people who consider themselves conventionally attractive are making significantly more than those who don’t.

In fact, the research—based on a survey of 1,050 working adults across the U.S.—showed that those who rated themselves as “extremely attractive” earn nearly $20,000 more annually compared to those who said they weren’t attractive at all.

That’s $63,954 versus $44,009.

So, what’s driving this difference?

The team behind the study compared self-perceived attractiveness with professional success, and the numbers spoke for themselves.

Appearance matters, whether we like it or not.

Investing in Appearance to Climb the Ladder

The study also found that it’s not just about being born with good looks—presentation and grooming habits play a huge role.

A whopping 83% of people surveyed believe employees who put effort (and money) into how they look at work are more likely to be favored.

That means spending money on clothes, grooming, makeup, and personal hygiene products isn’t just vanity—it’s seen as a professional strategy.

In a world where first impressions and visual cues count, dressing the part might make or break a career move.

What TikTok and Wall Street Have to Say

This idea isn’t just showing up in research—it’s gone viral on social media too.

Businesswoman Codie Sanchez, who spent 20 years working on Wall Street, opened up to her 1.8 million TikTok followers about an internal study she came across.

It ranked employees based on attractiveness and compared their earnings.

What it revealed was shocking, if not entirely surprising—women who were considered more attractive were earning 25% more on average.

Codie made it clear: this had little to do with experience or qualifications.

Instead, it came down to perception.

And while she admits the system isn’t fair, she also says it’s real.

Her advice? A little vanity might actually be good for your wallet.

The Subtle Tricks That Make a Big Impact

There are also smaller ways people can influence how they’re perceived—no need to jump into full glam mode or get cosmetic procedures.

Codie and other experts suggest that things like grooming, makeup, and overall neatness can shift how others see you.

Supporting this, a 2016 study by sociologists Jaclyn S. Wong and Andrew M. Penner confirmed that people who appeared more physically attractive tended to earn more money.

And yes, that attractiveness can be enhanced. Makeup, haircare, grooming, and even how someone smells (think perfume or deodorant) all contribute to a positive perception.

Why “Put-Together” Often Equals “Professional”

Angela Tait, a recruiting and HR consultant based in Plano, Texas, sees it all the time.

She told Daily Mail that people naturally associate being well-groomed with being more capable and trustworthy.

Whether we realize it or not, we make snap judgments during job interviews and meetings based on how someone looks—and those judgments can have a lasting impact.

Tait added that looking polished doesn’t require a full face of makeup or expensive outfits.

In fact, she recommends simple steps: a tinted moisturizer to give your skin a healthy glow, groomed brows to frame your face, a touch of mascara, and a soft lip color.

These small details, she says, can help make you more engaging and increase the chances that others pay attention when you speak up.

So… What’s Next?

While this might seem disheartening to some, the truth is empowering in a way.

If you know the system, you can work with it.

You don’t have to be a model or spend thousands on beauty treatments.

A little attention to your appearance might not only boost your confidence—but your career and income, too.

So, maybe the next time you get ready for work, that extra swipe of mascara or neatly pressed shirt isn’t just about looking good.

It could be the silent edge you need to stand out, get noticed, and get ahead.