Most US workers are willing to take a pay cut for stability — MarketWatch
In the United States, more than half of workers are willing to accept a pay cut if it gives them greater confidence in keeping their jobs. This is according to Monster’s “2026 Job Security Report,” data from which were cited by MarketWatch.
According to the survey, 61% of respondents would give up at least one element of compensation or work experience — including bonuses, benefits or other incentives — in exchange for a greater sense of job stability. A pay cut of up to 5% would be acceptable to 26% of those surveyed, while another 28% would accept a salary reduction of 5% or more. Among the latter, 11% would agree to an income reduction of more than 10%.
Job searches have become longer
Monster career expert Vicki Salemi said that job stability has become one of workers’ top priorities. According to her, this does not mean that workplace flexibility and work-life balance have ceased to be important, but priorities have shifted.
Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, managing director and employment expert at JobLeads, noted that specialists previously could quickly find a better job after being laid off. Now, in his assessment, a search can last from three to six months, while candidates submit more than 100 applications and receive almost no responses.
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In August, the US unemployment rate stood at 4.1%, while during some periods in 2022 it was slightly above 3%. The publication notes that the current labor market remains relatively strong by historical standards, but is less active than it was several years ago, especially for recent college graduates.
Workers choose more stable companies
ResumeCoach recruiter and career consultant Chelsea Jay said she had seen clients this year choosing lower pay for a more stable position. According to her, people who lost their jobs over the past several years make such a decision particularly often.
Jay advises candidates to pay attention to how company management answers questions about headcount and the budget. Among possible signs of instability, she named vacancies that remain unfilled for a long time, as well as a significant share of daily tasks that can be automated using artificial intelligence tools.
One technology industry worker, who wished to remain anonymous because of fears of possible layoffs, said he had begun attending nursing courses. He explained his decision by prolonged layoffs in the technology sector and a desire to move into healthcare, where, in his opinion, demand for specialists is more stable.
