If employers want their workforce physically present in the office, they may have to consider offering higher salaries. So far, in 2024, the average salary for jobs requiring in-person attendance in the United States has surged to $82,037—a significant jump of nearly 40 percent from the average in 2023, as reported by ZipRecruiter. Although salaries for roles allowing hybrid and remote work arrangements have seen increases as well, at 9 and 11 percent respectively, these rises are not as dramatic.
Part of this notable increase in in-person salaries can be attributed to the specific industries actively seeking new employees, including healthcare, transportation, and construction. These sectors are in pursuit of new talent, yet the majority of job seekers show a pronounced preference for remote or hybrid roles, explains Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's chief economist.
This inclination towards remote work is underscored by a 2023 Gallup report which found that only 8 percent of workers in the U.S. capable of performing their jobs remotely would choose to work on-site. Additionally, recent data from ZipRecruiter indicate a growing trend among job hunters, with more now seeking hybrid or remote opportunities compared to the past two years.
Furthermore, with about 30 percent of paid workdays in the U.S. taking place from home according to the WFH Research group, companies that offer flexibility in work location are now facing a complex challenge in attracting on-site talent. Given the current competitive job market where employees hold considerable bargaining power, the demands for higher wages are being met, particularly for those transitioning from a fully remote to an in-person role; such individuals received almost a 30 percent salary increase last year alone, as per ZipRecruiter.
ZipRecruiter's 2022 report suggests that employers who can afford to provide work flexibility might be able to manage salary expenses more efficiently, as workers showed willingness to accept an average 14 percent salary reduction for the ability to work remotely.
On the other hand, businesses lacking the flexibility to offer remote or hybrid working options find themselves in a difficult position, as noted by Pollak. They are forced to compete by enhancing pay, benefits, or the overall work environment, leading to significant contemplation and investment in making their in-person roles more appealing.