By the numbers: The survey of 388 U.S. companies found a decisive move toward open compensation policies.

82% of U.S. firms are either communicating, planning, or considering sharing individual pay ranges with employees.
79% are doing the same for external job candidates.
The primary drivers for this shift are growing regulatory requirements (72%), a commitment to company values and culture (44%), and rising employee expectations (41%).

The big picture: Global regulations, particularly the EU Pay Transparency Directive, are influencing U.S. corporate behavior. In response, many firms are proactively adopting a global approach to pay equity.

Nearly one-third (32%) of organizations have publicly shared a commitment to pay equity.
Among those that have, 72% have adopted a global perspective, addressing pay equity across their entire organization.

Zoom in: While companies are embracing the concept of transparency, execution remains a challenge. Many are holding back on communicating the mechanics behind their pay structures.

Fewer than half of employers share details on how an individual's base pay is determined or how they can progress.
Companies anticipate challenges, with 70% expecting more compensation questions from managers and 68% expecting more from employees.
Concerns about managers' ability to explain pay programs and potential employee reactions are the most cited barriers to fuller communication.

What to watch: The use of data and technology to manage this shift is still in its early stages.

Just over half (56%) of companies use metrics—such as the adjusted gender pay gap and employee retention—to measure the impact of their transparency efforts.
Most employers are not using AI to support their pay programs. Only 11% plan to use AI for pay gap identification, citing barriers like data privacy, compliance risks, and integration challenges.

About the Survey: WTW’s 2025 Pay Transparency Survey was conducted in June 2025. In the U.S., 388 respondents completed the survey. Globally, 1,915 respondents completed the survey.

SURVEY: Pay Transparency Becomes New Norm for U.S. Firms

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