Remote Work Wage Gap: In-Office Jobs Pay $22,000 More, Study Finds

A new study has found that workers who opt for fully in-office roles are being rewarded with significantly higher salaries compared to their hybrid and remote counterparts. 

Many employers like UPS, Boeing, and JPMorgan Chase are willing to pay a premium to incentivize workers to return to the office full-time. According to a report published by the BBC, ZipRecruiter data shows that the average salary for in-person positions in the U.S. has surged to $82,037 as of March 2024 — a 33% increase from the previous year. 

However, this change in salary dynamics may have unintended consequences. Some experts warn that the wage gap between in-office and flexible roles could reinforce inequities in the labor market — particularly for working parents and caregivers. 

While there is an increase in salary, it doesn’t necessarily mean that hybrid and flexible work opportunities aren’t 100% disappearing.  In the U.K., for example, LinkedIn data reveals that job ads listed as hybrid have been increasing steadily every month, according to a report published by Fortune. 

The data also suggests that some employers believe the expense of higher salaries for in-office workers will lead to improved business outcomes. While there is still significant interest in flexible work arrangements, the premium on strictly in-person work is expected to remain as employers justify higher salaries to offset the less desired inflexible schedules.