Should I take a lower paying job with better benefits?

Asked by: Ressie Daniel  |  Last update: October 7, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (67 votes)

72% of workers surveyed strongly or somewhat agreed they would take a job with a slightly lower salary for better health care and medical coverage, including lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. 51% said that high health care costs were having a major or significant impact on their ability to save for retirement.

Is it a good idea to take a lower paying job?

Higher salaries often come with increased responsibilities, challenges, mentors and chances to learn and grow. By accepting a lower salary, you may inadvertently limit your access to valuable experiences, training programs, and career advancement prospects that come with a higher-paying position.

Do employees want lower wages or improved health benefits?

Employees prioritize better health benefits over higher salary, survey finds. Nearly 3 in 4 employed Americans would accept a job with a slightly lower salary if it offered better health care and medical coverage.

Should I take a job with less benefits?

Depending on the benefits, your overall compensation package, including the salary and benefits, could be much higher than a job that offers a high base salary but fewer benefits. Plus, when your employer pays for your benefits, that is pre-taxed dollars, so you're saving even more money.

Are benefits or salary more important?

While salary addresses immediate financial needs, benefits contribute to long-term financial stability. Health insurance (which grows more expensive every year), retirement plans, and other benefits can provide a safety net in case of unexpected events or expenses.

how I studied 4 hours every day with a job and a family

23 related questions found

Should I accept a job that doesn't offer benefits?

Be sure to choose what's right for you

At the end of the day, your job isn't just about money, Patrick says. While you want to ensure the job offer is financially sound, that's not the only consideration. “Just because a job doesn't have benefits doesn't make it a bad financial decision,” Jordan says.

Would you rather have a higher salary or better health benefits?

If it comes down to a job with benefits versus a job with no benefits, it is usually best to take the job with benefits, which millions of American workers have chosen. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2022 Employer Health Benefits Survey, employer-sponsored insurance covers approximately 159 million people.

Is it legal for my employer to reduce my salary?

In California, employers can reduce an employee's pay, but there are important legal restrictions and requirements that must be followed. Pay reductions must comply with state labor laws and usually cannot be done retroactively.

Should I take a lower paying job for less stress?

In essence, while the allure of a high salary in a high-stress job is undeniable, the long-term benefits of a less stressful position—better health, improved relationships, and sustained career growth—present a compelling case for considering such a transition.

Should I accept a higher paying job?

Whatever you decide, don't just be tempted by the relatively short-term lure of more money. Take a step back and think about whether this role can offer you the progression opportunities, sense of purpose, and overall workplace wellbeing that you want and deserve.

Can a company force you to take a lower paying job?

Employees should have the option to decline to continue working at such a rate. Just as an employee can't force an employer to pay them a higher rate without consent, an employer can't force an employee to work for a rate to which they didn't agree.

When to take a lesser paying job?

When should you consider taking a pay cut?
  • The job will challenge you. ...
  • The job offers invaluable experience. ...
  • You're changing careers. ...
  • Work-life balance becomes a priority. ...
  • Savings balances pay loss. ...
  • You're starting your own business. ...
  • You've reached the earning potential for your position.

What percentage of paycheck should go to benefits?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8.3% of an employee's total salary goes to health insurance. Legally Required - 7.7%Benefits that are legally required include Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.

What are the disadvantages of salary cuts?

Temporary Pay Cuts
  • Decreased Morale. Employees may feel undervalued or demotivated if their pay is reduced, which can lead to decreased morale and productivity.
  • Financial Stress. ...
  • Reduced Job Satisfaction. ...
  • Negative Attitudes And Behavior. ...
  • Decreased Loyalty. ...
  • Decreased Morale. ...
  • Financial Stress. ...
  • Reduced Job Satisfaction.

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance?

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in California? Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old.

What is a high deductible healthcare plan?

A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health plan product that combines a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), traditional medical coverage and a tax-advantaged way to help save for future medical expenses while providing flexibility and discretion over how you use your health ...

How much does the average American pay for health insurance through an employer?

Employer vs.

For single plans, the overall average cost was $7,911 last year. This cost is split between employers and employees: Employer costs: $6,584. Employee costs: $1,327.

Should I take higher pay or better benefits?

When employees were asked whether they would prefer more money vs. benefits, more than 80% chose benefits. For employers, knowing that benefits increase job satisfaction, help employees feel more valued, and provide a better employee experience should be more than enough rationale.

Is my health more important than my job?

In our fast-paced world, many people prioritize their jobs over their health. The pressure to succeed in our careers can lead to neglecting our physical and mental well-being. However, it is important to remember that health should always be a top priority.

Is it more beneficial to be salary or hourly?

The Bottom Line. There are both pros and cons to being an hourly employee, and the same can be said of salaried employees. But salaried employees enjoy more benefits for the most part, such as paid vacation and sick days, retirement accounts, and other employer-sponsored benefits.

Should I get paid more if I don't take health insurance?

Employers don't have to offer a higher salary to employees who opt out of benefits, like health care coverage. In fact, going down that path could lead to more headaches in the long run. For starters, an employee's need for benefits could change at any time due to death, divorce, etc.

What are the disadvantages of a high paying job?

In fact, stresses of higher-paying jobs may cause them to burn out, have poor health, develop poor eating habits, and experience increased stress levels and mental health issues. Some people will not cope well with the increased expectation and stress.

How do you know when you should not accept a job offer?

Here are five signs to think about when you get a new job offer:
  1. The salary doesn't meet your needs. ...
  2. It doesn't align with your career development goals. ...
  3. There's a long interview process. ...
  4. The offer doesn't match the job description. ...
  5. The company has a bad reputation.