Hiring top talent, no matter where you are, is no small feat. As a business, your talent needs are unique, and you want only the best. You want the A-Players. We live that fact every day here at ECLARO in helping our clients—Fortune 50 companies and innovative start-ups alike—find, hire and retain the Right People. It goes without saying that compensation is one of the most impactful factors in this quest, and it is a factor that does not exist in a vacuum. It’s part of an equation (dare we say, E-QUATION) that contains variables, constants and terms that are unique to each situation.
In New York City, home to ECLARO world headquarters, candidates and clients are showing us that the relationship between compensation and commuting is growing stronger, especially in a world where return-to-office mandates are making the commuting burden a very real topic of discussion with many candidates.
“Top young professionals want compensation that reflects the true cost of living, and they’re quick to move on if an offer doesn’t add up,” says ECLARO Senior Recruiter Chris Viemeister. “I’ve found that savvy employers can get the Right People by taking a deep look at salary, perks and the realities of today’s job market.”
And while the particulars below correlate to the Big Apple for this discussion, the underlying principles can be applied for successful hiring across any locales.
Marchetti’s Constant: Timeless Issue of Commute Time
Back in the 1990s, Italian physicist Cesare Marchetti developed a concept known as Marchetti’s Constant, which in essence asserts that on average people cap their daily commute at about 60 minutes—30 minutes each way from home to workplace—regardless of society, role, where they live, etc. The concept is based on historical studies showing that since 10,000 B.C., give or take, people have maintained a 60-minute round-trip commute. As technology made it possible to cover larger distances in less time, the distance between home and work expanded, but the time has remained, well, constant.
For NYC employers, this means aiming for a 30-minute commute each way based on local traffic, public transportation and other challenges that need to be factored in if you’re asking employees to come in multiple times a week.
“Research tells us that longer commute times are linked with lower job satisfaction, more stress and even lower overall health,” Viemeister says. “So, if your dream candidate faces an hour or more each way, that time on the train or in traffic can easily become a reason for them to look elsewhere.”
For top talent in New York, he adds, making commuting manageable can involve exploring some creative options.
“If a 30-minute commute isn’t realistic, employers can ease the stress by offering transit reimbursements, flexible start times or hybrid options that give employees more control over where they work,” he notes. “This approach supports work-life balance—an increasingly important factor for candidates who are keenly aware of how work impacts their well-being.”
The 30% Rent Rule: Can Your Salary Compete in NYC?
“Living in NYC is no small financial feat,” says Viemeister. “Manhattan’s average one-bedroom rent is about $4,500 per month. For your ideal candidate to feel financially secure, they’d need to earn at least $180,000 annually to comfortably spend no more than 30% of their income on housing.”
This “30% rule” is increasingly crucial for young professionals, many of whom are looking for financial stability as they balance high rent with other living costs.
In the hiring landscape, we’re finding that companies in New York City that can offer a base salary in the range of $120,000 to $150,000 will find themselves in the best position to attract top young talent, especially those with three or four mandatory in-office days per week. For roles with remote flexibility, offering between $100,000 and $120,000 can be a strong draw for candidates who can choose more affordable living situations outside of Manhattan.
Addressing Job Satisfaction Beyond Pay
The saying “money isn’t everything” is finding greater and greater resonance among top young talent, Viemeister notes.
“Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) indicates job satisfaction depends on more than salary,” he says. “Flexibility, meaningful work and low levels of role conflict all influence how likely an employee is to stick around and engage at a high level.
“For today’s young professionals, being locked into rigid schedules or excessive hours can reduce their productivity and lead to burnout—a fact supported by studies showing that job satisfaction and performance suffer when work conflicts with personal life. To reduce role conflict, employers can offer flexible scheduling and hybrid models, giving employees a greater sense of autonomy.”
Other options, such as mental health support, wellness programs or an extra day off each month can reinforce a company culture that prioritizes both employee well-being and performance.
Building the Right Offer: The Salary + Perks + Flexibility Formula
In New York City’s competitive hiring market, you need a blend of competitive salary, commute-conscious perks and flexibility to stand out. Here’s the math that works:
- For full-time, in-office roles: Aim for $120,000–$150,000, keeping in mind that higher pay compensates for longer commutes and the higher cost of city life.
- For hybrid or flexible roles: $100,000–$120,000 is appealing to candidates who can choose housing in more affordable neighborhoods and manage commute days more flexibly.
- Perks and benefits: Transit stipends, mental health days and wellness programs are no longer just “nice-to-haves” but essentials in demonstrating that your company supports employees beyond the job title.
“The bottom line?“ Viemeister posits. “Attracting and retaining ‘A-Players’ means more than just checking a salary box. By acknowledging their need for balance, financial security and a healthy commute, you’re making your offer the one they’ll choose.
“After all, great employees are not just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for a workplace where they can thrive.”
*Photo 123rf
