Indeed Pricing for Employers: A Complete Pricing Breakdown

Hiring online can be tricky, both in finding the right candidates and managing costs. Indeed is one of the most widely used job platforms. It offers both free and paid options for employers. 

But how much does Indeed cost for employers to post jobs and attract top talent?

Hiring online can be a double-edged sword. 

Platforms like Indeed give you access to a huge pool of candidates. But the real cost of a single bad or poorly-filled hire can be staggering. In fact, U.S. companies spend up to 30 % of a new hire’s first-year salary just to bring that person on board. Just add up: 

• The hidden costs of low productivity
• Longer time-to-hire
• Missed opportunity

Obviously, using job posting platforms without a clear cost strategy is risky. 

Understanding exactly how much Indeed costs for employers and how to get the most value from it is critical.

Indeed allows businesses to post jobs for free. But visibility is limited unless you opt for paid features like sponsored job listings or subscription plans. 

Here, we’ll help you understand how these costs can help you determine whether Indeed fits your hiring budget.

Key Takeaways

• Free job posts are available. But they come with limited reach and fewer applicant filtering tools.
• Sponsored job listings start at $10 per application. This helps businesses attract more qualified candidates.
• Subscription plans start at $120 per month. They provide access to candidate databases and additional hiring tools.

How Much Does Indeed Cost for Employers?

As businesses look to hire candidates quickly, they’re increasingly leveraging online job platforms. 

Indeed helps you find the help you need.

Yes, these platforms connect businesses with qualified candidates. But depending on how you use it, Indeed can be completely free… or super expensive. 

Let’s take a look at Indeed’s: 

• Free and paid job posting options
• Sponsored job costs
• Subscription-based hiring tools

Indeed: What It Is and Why Employers Use It

Indeed is a website for job seekers and employers. It lets job seekers search millions of listings around the world. At the same time, it allows employers to connect with millions of job seekers across industries. 

Millions of employers use the platform to find and hire new workers. Indeed offers an opportunity to connect with competent employees. You can also make effective decisions when employing them. 

‍Indeed offers several pricing models to meet different needs. With its broad reach and flexible pricing options, Indeed is a popular choice for companies of all sizes. Having the right person to take care of a specific task can have a huge impact on your business success.

Pros 

• Extensive Candidate Pool: Indeed has a large number of job seekers from various industries and roles in its database. Employers have the opportunity to consider a wide range of quality candidates. This includes those at the entry-level as well as highly experienced professionals.

• User-Friendly Job Posting: Indeed boasts a user-friendly interface for employers. It facilitates easy navigation and efficient management of job postings. The straightforward process allows for quick and efficient recruitment efforts as jobs can be posted in a matter of minutes.

• Global Recruitment Reach: The platform has a presence in over 60 countries and supports multiple languages. It provides a global platform for employers seeking domestic or international talent.

• Mobile Accessibility: Indeed’s mobile app facilitates on-the-go hiring for employers. This allows them to: 
  
  • Post roles
  • Review candidates
  • Make hiring decisions 

And you just need to make a few clicks on your phone.

Drawbacks of Using Indeed

• High Competition: The popularity of Indeed can result in high competition for quality applicants. This makes it crucial for employers to craft compelling job listings that entice job seekers to apply.

• Volume of Applications: Posting roles on Indeed can attract a large number of applicants. But sorting through those applications can be time-consuming. Effective filtering and screening mechanisms are a big deal for employers when posting roles.

Free Job Postings on Indeed: How It Works

Indeed provides free listings for businesses. This allows them to post job openings on their platform without cost.

But… free job postings have limited visibility and can easily get buried under newer listings. To increase exposure, businesses often choose paid options. Employers can use this option to set the job's location, title, and description. You can also use Indeed's tools to screen candidates with applicant assessments and skill tests.

Using these tools helps you find the best applicants for open opportunities in the organization. It also ensures that job seekers are well-informed about the position they’re applying for. 

Sponsored Job Postings

Pay Per Application

Sponsored jobs on Indeed use a pay-per-application approach. This involves a charge when applications meeting specified job criteria are submitted and retained for more than 72 hours

Using the sponsored post model offers the advantage of increased visibility for job postings. This positions Indeed's general search results. It also filters applications to those that fulfill the job's criteria.

Many users report pricing for this model begins as low as $5 per application.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget for a job posting means you’ll only need to pay when candidates click to view a job post.

Setting a daily budget offers the benefits of increased job visibility and ad placement in search results within Indeed.

Pricing for this model begins at $5 per day or $150 per month.

Maximizing ROI with Indeed’s Paid and Premium Sponsored Jobs

When employers decide between a free job post and a paid job post, the biggest factor is visibility. While free listings help fill general roles, paid jobs, especially premium sponsored jobs, boost exposure to active job seekers. These will match your hiring criteria. 

A premium sponsored job appears higher in search results and often features enhanced branding. These include company logos or “featured employer” badges, which help your job ad stand out from thousands of listings.

Indeed’s standard sponsored jobs use a flexible pricing model. This typically operates on a pay-per-click or pay-per-application basis. Costs vary depending on the job title, job description, and competition within your industry or region. 

The job posting cost can range from $5 per day for a simple job listing to more for competitive roles. A sponsored job post also gives you access to data insights. This shows how many candidates view, click, and apply. So you’ll refine your hiring process and ad strategy.

For companies filling multiple job openings, being a featured employer can further strengthen brand visibility across the job board. This status signals credibility and consistency in hiring. It encourages top-tier candidates to engage. Using these premium placements strategically ensures you’re not just paying for clicks. Rather, you’re paying for qualified applicants aligned with your hiring needs.

Before investing in a paid job post, evaluate potential deal breakers. These include budget limits, applicant quality, and turnaround time. Combine paid placements with Indeed’s employer resource library to access: 

• Templates
• Optimization tips
• Insights on crafting high-performing job ads

By balancing free job posts with targeted paid jobs, employers can fine-tune cost efficiency and strengthen employer branding. You can also build a recruitment funnel that consistently attracts high-quality talent.

Subscription Models 

Standard Trial

Indeed offers the ability to try Indeed Resume for free with their two-week trial. 

With the two-week free trial, businesses can:

• Access five candidate contacts
• Conduct unlimited searches
• Create and use Contact Templates
• Send email reminders to unresponsive candidates automatically
• Automate data exports with Indeed’s Recruiter Extension
• Receive In-Project candidate matches in active projects

Standard Subscription

The Standard subscription best supports businesses looking to make several hires throughout the year (1-11 new hires per year). 

The Standard subscription costs $120 per month or $1,150 per year. 

With the Standard subscription, businesses can:

• Access 30 candidate contacts per month
• Conduct unlimited searches
• Create and use Contact Templates
• Send email reminders to unresponsive candidates automatically
• Automate data exports with Indeed’s Recruiter Extension
• Receive In-Project candidate matches in active projects

Professional Subscription

The Professional subscription best supports businesses that hire constantly throughout the year (12+ hires per year).

Based on information as of the publication of this post, the Professional subscription costs $300 per month or $2,880 per year.

With the Professional subscription, businesses can access everything the Standard subscription offers, plus:

• Access to 100 candidate contacts per month
• Message up to 50 people at once
• Share projects with team members within the business
• Use advanced search filters
• Send text messages to candidates who have opted in
• Contact candidates via a phone call through Indeed

The Indeed costs covered above can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and competition for specific roles

Understanding the costs associated with using Indeed as a job posting platform is integral. You’ll be able to develop a strategic and budget-conscious hiring approach. 

You may be opting for free job posting or investing in sponsored listings and resume database access. In any event, you can tailor your Indeed experience to align with your specific hiring goals. 

Platforms like Indeed

When it comes to job posting platforms, Indeed isn’t the only choice. 

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. 

• SimplyHired: SimplyHired is a job search engine that collects job listings from all over the web. This includes company career pages, job boards, and niche job websites. 

• ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter is an online employment marketplace that connects businesses of all sizes and millions of job seekers to make hiring top talent and finding a job faster and easier.

• CareerBuilder: CareerBuilder is a global, end-to-end human capital solutions company. It’s focused on helping employers find, hire, and manage great talent.

• Monster: Monster is a global leader in connecting people and jobs through its advanced technology. 

• Snagajob: Snagajob is a marketplace for hourly jobs and shifts. It connects job seekers to right-fit employment opportunities.

• Handshake: Handshake connects up-and-coming talent from its community of over 13 million students and young alumni with over 850,000 employers.

Selecting the Right Platform for Your Business

When seeking new hires, there are several online job platforms at your disposal. But determining which platform is the best fit for your business depends on your: 

• Hiring goals
• Budget
• Your anticipated hiring volume

As you evaluate the cost of Indeed, remember to consider the platform’s nuances and how they complement, or go against,  your hiring initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What factors affect the cost of Indeed for employers?

The cost varies depending on the job posting type (free, sponsored, or subscription), location, and industry.

Can I post a job for free on Indeed?

Yes, Indeed allows employers to post jobs for free. But there are limitations on visibility and applicant filtering tools.

What’s the difference between free and sponsored job postings?

• Free postings: Limited exposure, appear lower in search results
• Sponsored postings: Paid for better visibility and more applications

How much do sponsored jobs on Indeed cost?

Per user reports, sponsored jobs start at $5 per application submitted. These costs can increase based on the job's visibility and location.

How do Indeed's pricing models compare to other platforms?

Indeed’s pricing is competitive, offering both low-cost and flexible subscription models. Other platforms like ZipRecruiter and LinkedIn may have higher pricing for similar services.

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