UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Salary transparency remains relatively limited in graduate recruitment. Just 26% of employers report including salary details in graduate job advertisements, while 74% do not. This represents a continued gap between employer practice and student expectations. Previous student data shows that around half of students say they are less likely to apply for roles where salary information is not provided, suggesting transparency can influence application decisions. Among employers who do not disclose salaries, the most common reason is that the topic is discussed later in the recruitment process (57%). Many organisations also cite internal company policy (37%) or note that salary varies depending on the candidate or specific role (27%). A smaller number highlight competitive sensitivities (13%) or wider sector norms where salaries are typically not advertised (13%). Insight Overall, the findings suggest that while many employers prefer flexibility or discussion later in the process, salary transparency remains an area where employer practices and candidate expectations are not always aligned. Do you disclose the salary ranges in your job specifications?

74% 73%

26% 27%

Yes

No

If no, can you say why?

57%

37%

27%

8% 13% 13%

Other

Sector norms

Competitor sensitivity

Salary varies by candidate or role

Company policy

Discussed later in process

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