Are Attractive People More Successful?

Danielle Lowe
By Danielle Lowe

Danielle Lowe is the Marketing Manager for ConsultingRoom.com, the UK’s largest aesthetic information website. 


According to economist Daniel S Hamermesh this is true!

“I just can’t understand people who have ugly people working for them”

once proclaimed Jade Jagger, fashion designer and daughter of Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger. Well, one reason Hamermesh explores is that they are cheaper to employ!

If you are one of what Hamermesh calls the ‘genetically under blessed you will make an estimated £150,000 less in your lifetime than the genetically blessed. 

In his new book ‘Beauty Pays’ Hamermesh, a professor at the University of Texas, breaks beauty down into a 5-point rating system to try and prove the link between economics and beauty (pulchronomics) and despite the age-old adage; ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder, he discovers there’s a consensus about what constitutes good looks. 

Are attractive people more successful?

I’m sure we can all think of a few examples where it pays to be attractive, but he says it’s not just the obvious careers. 

As an academic himself, he points to the teaching profession where he believes a teacher’s attractiveness will earn them better reviews from their students, therefore leading to more career advancement opportunities. 

Hamermesh says it's men who face the bigger looks-based pay gap over women. 

Here, he points to ‘homely’ looking athletes who earn less than their handsome teammates. Other examples in the book look at the husbands of average-looking women who earn 10% less than their not-so-average-looking counterparts and unattractive people who have a harder time getting a loan.

So is it all plain sailing if you’ve been lucky enough to land yourself a winning ticket in the genetic lottery?

Hamermesh says No! An attractive woman who seeks a top-level position and a high-flying career will be stymied by the ‘bimbo effect’ – meaning they will have to prove their competence. 

So what does Professor Hamermesh suggest to combat the genetic hurdles?

He believes the aesthetic underdogs are victims of the so-called ‘beauty conundrum’ and he addresses this point in the last chapter of the book – “What can you do if you’re bad-looking?” His solution – the aesthetically challenged should be compensated by the government!


More great blogs our experts wrote for you...

The Aesthetic Gender Gap: Why Women Still Feel More Pressure to Look Young

18
Jun
2025

The Aesthetic Gender Gap: Why Women Still Feel More Pressure to Look Young

From makeup use to mental health impacts, the gender divide in beauty expectations is still very real. Here's what the latest research says—and why it’s time to shift the narrative.

How HydraFacial Can Help Repair Sun-Damaged Skin

17
Jun
2025

How HydraFacial Can Help Repair Sun-Damaged Skin

Sun exposure can leave lasting damage on your skin, but HydraFacial offers a gentle yet effective solution to restore radiance, hydration, and overall skin health.

Think You're Ageing Well? This Shocking New Podcast Might Say Otherwise

12
Jun
2025

Think You're Ageing Well? This Shocking New Podcast Might Say Otherwise

Check out Katherine Ryan’s hit new podcast What’s My Age Again? — where comedy meets cutting-edge biology to uncover how old we really are.


Hey, wait!

Before you go.....

Let's stay in touch, pop your details here and we'll send our editor's hand-picked updates on your fave subjects.