Rising oil prices in the U.S. are impacting job choices: 65% of job seekers are now prioritizing positions with low commuting costs.

Fortune cited a new survey from recruitment platform Monster, stating that 65% of potential job changers in the U.S. are adjusting their job search priorities to cut commuting costs amid rising U.S. oil prices. Among them, 23% are prioritizing jobs closer to their homes, 17% are focusing more on salaries to offset higher commuting expenses, and another 20% are prioritizing fully remote positions. The survey shows commuting costs have become a key factor leading U.S. job seekers to turn down job offers. Among over 1,000 employed Americans surveyed, 49% said they have rejected job opportunities due to high commuting costs or excessively long commute times, while 75% noted that work-life balance has grown more important amid rising cost of living. For an additional 20-minute commute, 32% of respondents said they would need at least a 20% pay raise to accept it, 10% would require a 10% raise, 11% would accept a longer commute via more flexible work arrangements or hybrid work, and another 9% want employers to reimburse part of their fuel costs. Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline prices continue to climb. The current average price for regular gasoline in the U.S. is nearly $4.50 per gallon, mid-grade gasoline exceeds $5, and diesel prices top $6.50; Brent crude oil has risen to around $105 per barrel. The oil price hike is mainly driven by supply disruptions in the Middle East and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Fortune pointed out that as energy costs keep rising, U.S. companies may need to offer higher salaries, provide hybrid work options, or cover commuting costs to attract employees to accept longer commutes.