LinkedIn Premium offers extra tools and features that help job seekers, professionals, and businesses grow faster. But most people ask one big question: how much does LinkedIn Premium cost? In this article, we’ll break it all down in easy language. No tech talk—just clear info for everyone, even if you’re new to LinkedIn.
What Is LinkedIn Premium and Why Do People Use It?
LinkedIn Premium is a paid upgrade to the regular LinkedIn account. While the free version gives you basic access to job postings, connections, and messages, LinkedIn Premium unlocks tools that can seriously boost your career, sales, or hiring process.
People use LinkedIn Premium for many reasons. Job seekers want to stand out from the crowd, message recruiters directly, and see who’s viewed their profiles. Business professionals want to grow their networks, research companies, and get better visibility. Sales teams and recruiters use Premium to find and reach top prospects with better search filters and outreach options.
Basically, LinkedIn Premium gives you more power to get noticed, get hired, and grow your influence. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it.
So, How Much Does LinkedIn Premium Cost? (Simple Price List)
Let’s get to the point: How much do you really pay for LinkedIn Premium? Here’s a basic price list as of 2025 for users in the United States. Keep in mind, prices can vary slightly based on promotions, billing choices (monthly vs yearly), and your location.
- Premium Career: $39.99/month
- Premium Business: $59.99/month
- Sales Navigator Core: $99.99/month
- Recruiter Lite: $170.00/month
If you choose annual billing, you can often save 20% or more. Many users start with a free trial before deciding if it’s worth it.
LinkedIn Premium Plans Explained
Now that you know the prices, let’s go deeper into what each plan actually gives you. Because paying for something only makes sense if you understand what you’re getting.
Premium Career Plan (For Job Seekers)
This is the most popular LinkedIn Premium plan for individuals. If you’re actively searching for jobs, this plan can give you a huge advantage. Here’s what you get:
- See who viewed your profile in the last 90 days
- Get access to InMail messages (you can message recruiters or managers even if you’re not connected)
- Get detailed insights on job postings and how you compare with other applicants
- Use Resume Builder and Interview Preparation Tools
- Access LinkedIn Learning with over 15,000 expert-led courses
If you’re applying to multiple jobs per week, Premium Career helps you stand out. And recruiters are more likely to respond when they see a premium badge on your profile.
Premium Business Plan (For Networking)
For professionals and small business owners who want to grow their brand and build relationships, this plan offers great tools:
- Everything in the Career plan
- Unlimited people browsing
- Company insights and growth data
- 15 InMail credits per month
- Advanced search filters
- Access to LinkedIn Learning
If you attend events, network regularly, or want to research markets, this is a solid choice. The business plan is designed for people who want to be visible and stay informed.
Sales Navigator & Recruiter Lite (For Pros)
These plans are made for advanced users—salespeople and recruiters.
Sales Navigator Core:
- Advanced lead search and account filters
- Custom lead lists and alerts
- CRM integration
- 50 InMail messages per month
- Real-time insights on leads and companies
It’s ideal for sales professionals who need to connect with decision-makers and manage pipelines efficiently.
Recruiter Lite:
- Search over 800 million members
- Smart candidate suggestions
- 30 InMail messages per month
- Pipeline organization and notes
- Unlimited profile views
Recruiters who hire regularly love this tool—it saves hours of manual searching and speeds up the hiring process.
Is LinkedIn Premium Free at First?
Yes, LinkedIn Premium offers a free one-month trial to all new users. You can try any plan—Career, Business, Sales Navigator, or Recruiter Lite—for 30 days without paying a cent.
This trial gives you full access to all features of the chosen plan. So if you’re job hunting or testing the Business plan, this is the best way to explore without committing. But don’t forget to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth Paying For?
That depends on your goals. Let’s look at a few common situations:
- If you’re applying for jobs every week and not getting responses, Premium Career helps you stand out and get noticed.
- If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur, Premium Business helps you connect with leads and expand your network faster.
- If you’re in sales or recruitment, Sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite can save you hours and boost your results.
Many users say LinkedIn Premium paid for itself once they landed a job, signed a client, or hired the right person. Still, if you’re not using the features weekly, the cost might not be worth it.
Tips to Save Money on LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium isn’t cheap, especially long-term. But there are smart ways to reduce the cost or even use it for free for a while.
Use the Free Trial First
Before paying anything, take advantage of the free trial. Explore all the tools, send InMails, and take LinkedIn Learning courses. You’ll know within 30 days whether the upgrade is useful to you.
Look for Student Discounts
If you’re a college or university student, LinkedIn offers discounts on Premium. Some schools even partner with LinkedIn to give students free access to LinkedIn Learning and Premium tools.
Check your school email or reach out to career services for more info.
What Happens If I Cancel LinkedIn Premium?
If you cancel your Premium subscription, your account switches back to the free version. You’ll lose access to:
- InMail messages
- Profile viewers history
- Learning courses
- Advanced insights
But you won’t lose your profile, connections, or any job applications you submitted. So you can always return to Premium later when you’re ready.
Which Plan Should I Pick? (Easy Choice Guide)
Choosing the right plan depends on what you need:
- Job Seekers → Premium Career
- Professionals & Entrepreneurs → Premium Business
- Sales Teams → Sales Navigator Core
- Recruiters → Recruiter Lite
If you’re not sure, start with Premium Career during the free trial. It’s the easiest plan to test, and many users find it helpful whether or not they’re actively job hunting.
The Bottom Line
So, how much does LinkedIn Premium cost? In the U.S., it ranges from $39.99 to $170 per month, depending on the plan. But cost is just one part of the decision. The real question is—is it useful for you?
If you’re serious about growing your career, finding leads, or hiring the best talent, LinkedIn Premium can be a game-changer. And with a 30-day free trial, there’s no risk in trying it.
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert to use LinkedIn Premium. The tools are designed for real people who want real results. Whether you’re 18 or 80, if you’re on LinkedIn, Premium is worth exploring.
