Can a Great Smile Give You a Pay Raise?

Your smile matters in more ways than you might imagine. Extensive research has shown a direct link between appearance and income. A study by Daniel Hamermesh and Jeff Biddle, found that “better than average looking people” earn 5-10% more than “average looking people” who earn 5-10% more than “below average looking people”. (1.)

The most frequently cited attribute of a person’s face? Their smile. One of the biggest determinants found in appearance, is linked to a person’s smile and the appearance and color of their teeth. The Face Research Laboratory at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland conducted a study on smiling and attractiveness. They found that both men and women were more attracted to images of people who made eye contact and smiled versus those that did not. (2)

Your smile is powerful. Not only can it increase your pay rate and make you even more attractive to others, but it builds relationships, connects and heals. Each time you smile at another, their brain triggers them to smile back. This creates a give-give relationship that allows both of you to release the feel good serotonin neurotransmitters in your brain that combat depression and anxiety, and activates the reward centers. This naturally triggers you to want to smile more and see more smiles coming back to you. Increased confidence in work and life has been attributed to the positive feelings that come from when you smile.

Smile brightly! The world will smile back at you.