Pretty Privilege Is Real — Attractive People Can Earn Up to $5K More a Year

Attractive People Earn Up to $5k More a Year

Conventionally attractive individuals have been found to earn significantly more money – representing a clear financial advantage – than their less conventionally attractive counterparts. According to a recent study titled “When Does Beauty Pay? A Large-Scale Image-Based Appearance Analysis on Career Transitions,” attractive people can earn 2.4% higher salaries, amounting to an average of $2,508 more annually over a 15-year period. Published in the journal Informs, the study focused on 43,533 MBA graduates, comparing the career outcomes of attractive individuals with their “plain-looking” counterparts. It’s worth noting that the participants in the study were predominantly male (71%) and Caucasian (81%) with an average age of 39.

Interestingly, the research revealed that the financial benefits of attractiveness go beyond just salary increments. Attractive individuals, especially those rated as the most attractive, were found to receive an “extreme” attractiveness premium of over 11%, equating to a yearly salary advantage of $5,528 for the top 10% of the most attractive graduates. The study not only highlighted the immediate financial gains but also pointed out that 15 years after obtaining their MBA, attractive individuals had a 52.4% likelihood of holding a more desirable job compared to their plain-looking counterparts.

However, the study also shed light on the potential downsides of being considered attractive in the workplace. The authors noted that biases favouring attractiveness could lead to unwanted romantic advances or even instances of sexual harassment, especially for female employees given the disproportionate representation of men in managerial positions. Param Vir Singh, a co-author of the study and professor at Carnegie Mellon University, emphasised how biases related to physical appearance continue to influence career outcomes, indicating that success is influenced not only by qualifications and skills but also by societal perceptions of beauty.

Overall, while the study underscores the undeniable advantages that attractiveness can bring in terms of financial rewards and career progression, it also serves as a reminder of the existing biases and challenges that individuals deemed attractive may face in professional settings. The findings prompt a broader conversation about the impact of appearance on success and highlight the importance of recognising and addressing these societal perceptions in the workplace.

In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between appearance, financial success, and career opportunities. As the debate around pretty privilege and its implications continues, it is crucial for organisations and individuals alike to be mindful of the biases that may exist and work towards creating inclusive and equitable environments where factors beyond physical appearance are valued and appreciated.