Workplace “Pretty Privilege”: How Appearance Affects Salary and Career Success

We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, but a new survey suggests that appearances may significantly impact career success—especially when it comes to salary. A survey of 1,050 Americans explored the concept of “pretty privilege,” which suggests that attractive individuals receive certain advantages in the workplace. The findings reveal that 81.3% of respondents believe attractiveness plays a role in career opportunities and income.

The Financial Impact of Attractiveness at Work

The numbers paint a stark picture: attractive individuals earn an average of $63,954, while those considered unattractive make just $44,009. That’s nearly a $20,000 pay gap based purely on appearance. The survey, conducted by Standout CV, found that:

80% of respondents believe attractive coworkers have an edge in hiring and promotions.
67% have witnessed unfair treatment based on appearance.
83.4% agree that well-groomed individuals are perceived as more competent.

When asked to rate their attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 10, the average self-rating was 7.7. Interestingly, 37.5% of men rated themselves a 9 or 10, compared to 27.4% of women. Self-perception played a crucial role in workplace experiences—46% of those rating themselves 1-3 felt their looks negatively affected their careers, while 60.7% of those scoring above 7 said their appearance benefited them.

The Cost of Maintaining Workplace Beauty Standards

The financial burden of workplace beauty standards is significant. Nearly 79% of workers feel pressured to invest in their appearance to meet job expectations. This spending includes:

$30 per month on grooming products.
$178.18 per year on beauty services like dry cleaning, manicures, and haircuts.
Higher earners spend more, with those making over $100,000 being twice as likely to spend $300+ on grooming.
Even remote workers aren’t exempt—over 60% groom specifically for video calls.

The Cycle of “Pretty Privilege” in the Workplace

The survey suggests that “pretty privilege” is not just about natural looks but also about how much individuals invest in their appearance. Those who rated themselves as very attractive felt the most pressure to spend on grooming—nearly 74% of people rating themselves 9 or 10 spent extra to look good for work. This creates a cycle where appearance influences workplace treatment, career success, and further investment in looks.

While it’s unclear whether good looks drive success or if success enables more spending on appearance, the study highlights a clear bias in how attractiveness impacts career opportunities. Employers must ensure fair hiring and promotions, while employees—especially newcomers—may benefit from maintaining a polished appearance. However, the pressure to alter natural features raises concerns about the growing influence of beauty standards in professional spaces.