Making Sense of Job Postings Salary Data: A No-Nonsense Guide

So you're getting ready for pay and performance reviews across your entire organisation. But you find yourself wondering how much a job is really worth - or struggling to make sense of wildly different salary numbers.

Salary benchmarking can be complex, and there are many different types of salary benchmarking data sources. We’ve already explored salary survey benchmark providers (think Mercer, Willis Towers Watson, CIPD HR Inform, Brightmine etc) and the real-time salary benchmark software providers (tech companies like Ravio, Pave, Figures HR).

But one of the most dynamic sources of salary benchmarking data is job postings salary data. What exactly is it and which providers should you trust?

Job postings salary data is exactly what it sounds like - compensation information extracted from publicly available job advertisements. Unlike traditional salary surveys, which rely on employer-reported data, job postings salary data gives you a real-time snapshot of what companies are actively offering.

Why does this matter?

✔ It reflects current market conditions, not last year’s data.

✔ It provides insight into trends in demand for roles based on salary fluctuations.

✔ It’s useful for businesses looking to stay competitive in attracting talent.

However, job postings data also has its challenges. Not all job listings include salary information, and some may list broad salary ranges that don’t accurately reflect final offers. Providers use machine learning and analytics to clean and refine this data, but the quality of insights varies depending on the provider.

So, which platforms are leading the way?

Back in 2021, Emsi and Burning Glass Technologies merged to form Emsi Burning Glass which combined the data analytics and product development capabilities of both companies. One year on and the company rebranded as Lightcast.

Today Lightcast is one of the biggest names in labour market analytics, known for its vast database of job postings and real-time compensation insights. They specialise in aggregating data from thousands of job boards, employer websites and recruitment platforms, making them a powerful resource for salary benchmarking.

Source: Lightcast Products Data Overview

If you're purchasing access to Lightcast with them directly, you’ll use their online analytics platform which includes dashboards, custom reports, and trend analyses. While the system is powerful, it can be overwhelming for first-time users. Expect a learning curve, especially if you’re diving into detailed compensation trends.

✔ Large enterprises and multi-national corporations tracking salary trends across multiple markets

✔ Companies headquartered in US, UK & Europe looking for strong geographical coverage

✔ CHROs, Talent Acquisition teams and Workforce Planning Analysts

✔ Businesses in tech, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing where job postings frequently include salary data

✔ Organisations that need up-to-date compensation data for rapidly changing industries

The Good

• One of the most comprehensive databases of real-time job postings
• Strong geographic coverage, particularly in North America and Europe
• Excellent at identifying salary trends over time

The Not so Good

• Premium pricing - best for larger companies with dedicated compensation and workforce planning analysts
• Can be complex to navigate without proper training
• Overwhelming for organisations with less than 2,500 people who just need great salary benchmarking

With founders that include ex-Willis Towers Watson alumni like CEO Cary Sparrow, Wagescape is positioned as a cost-effective alternative for businesses that want access to job postings salary data without paying a premium. It’s known for its simple interface and affordability, making it a solid choice for smaller businesses.

Source: Wagescape Global Compensation Data

Wagescape provides a web-based tool that allows users to search salary benchmarks based on job title, location, and industry. Reports can be downloaded for further analysis. The downside? It lacks the advanced analytics features found in larger platforms.

✔ Small and mid-sized businesses looking for affordable salary data
✔ Companies in the US and Australia
✔ HR managers and startup founders who need basic salary insights
✔ Industries like hospitality, retail, and entry-level corporate roles, where job postings often include salary details
✔ Businesses that don’t need complex analytics but want quick salary benchmarks

The Good

• Affordable compared to larger competitors
• Easy to implement and use
• Provides real-time job postings salary data without excessive complexity

The Not so Good

• Lacks advanced filtering options and customisation
• Limited coverage for highly specialised roles
• Complex product packages and pricing

Started by an ex-Reward Specialist, HR Datahub is a rising player in the salary benchmarking space, particularly for UK-based businesses looking for accessible, community-driven compensation insights. Unlike traditional survey providers, HR DataHub aggregates and anonymises data from about 10 different job boards, offering a more real-time view of salary comparison within the job postings market.

Their platform is designed with usability in mind, making it easier for HR teams to navigate and extract key insights without requiring extensive compensation expertise. With pricing starting at £5,000 per annum, one of its advantages is its affordability compared to the larger global players, making it a viable option for mid-sized businesses that need reliable UK pay data.

Source: HR Datahub profile on Software Advice

HR DataHub provides access through a cloud-based platform where users can log in, filter results, and compare employee salaries against the job postings market.

The interface is intuitive, and reports can be customised. However, since it relies on job boards salary data, its coverage might not be as deep for niche roles or industries compared to other salary benchmarking providers.

✔ Mid-sized and growing businesses looking for UK-specific salary benchmarking
✔ HR managers and compensation specialists who want a user-friendly platform
✔ Organisations that prefer a cost-effective alternative to global survey giants
✔ Businesses that want real-time, dynamic compensation insights powered by job ads

‍The Good

• Cost-effective alternative to premium salary survey providers
• Easy-to-use platform with real-time updates
• Strong UK market focus

The Not so Good

• Limited global coverage
• Relies on limited data sources to build the salary benchmarks
• Doesn't support HRIS & Payroll integrations which means you're looking up roles 1-by-1‍‍

Job postings salary data is a powerful tool for compensation benchmarking, but it’s essential to choose the right provider based on your needs. Whether you need deep analytics and extensive coverage for industries and roles (Lightcast), affordability (Wagescape) or easy-to-use product with UK-focus on salary (HR Datahub), there’s a solution out there.

Your choice should depend on:

• Budget: Can you afford a premium tool, or do you need a cost-effective option?
• Industry: Do job postings in your industry frequently include salary information?
• Location: Does the provider offer strong data in your target hiring regions?
• Complexity Needs: Do you need deep analytics or just a quick salary lookup tool?