Indeed vs JSearch for AI agents
Indeed’s developer docs list no self-serve job search API: third parties get a JavaScript plugin for approved partners, and a beta MCP server that works only as a Claude connector. JSearch is a commercial job search API that returns live job postings and salary estimates gathered from Google for Jobs.
The short answer
- Indeed: Job seekers using Claude who want Indeed's own listings and their Indeed resume in one place; not an open data API for developers.
- JSearch: Broad, Google-for-Jobs-style job search across many boards from one API.
Side by side
| Indeed | JSearch | |
|---|---|---|
| Searches | Jobs from Indeed and Indeed PLUS job boards (aggregated), shown through Indeed's own plugin UI. | Aggregated postings via Google for Jobs, covering LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter and other public job sites. |
| Returns | The plugin renders Indeed's own job search UI on your page (no raw data documented). The MCP Job Search tool returns titles, companies, locations, salaries and application URLs. | JSON jobs with job_id, job title, employer_name, job_publisher, job_city, job_country, job_min_salary, job_apply_link and apply_options; endpoints search-v2, job-details, company-job-salary, estimated-salary. |
| Before the first call | Indeed partner status and a partner app ID arranged through an Indeed representative (plugin); an Indeed account sign-in inside Claude (MCP). | An account and API key from the OpenWeb Ninja developer portal (also sold on RapidAPI). |
| Acting on a result | MCP results include application URLs; the docs do not say whether they point to Indeed or to the employer. | job_apply_link is the primary apply link; apply_options lists links from other publishers, each flagged is_direct. |
| Limits on keeping or showing results | Plugin rules: HTTPS pages only, explanatory headers, 16px margins, no leading users to click jobs for monetization; Indeed caps each publisher's click revenue. No caching or storage clause found. | Not stated on its pages |
| AI in its terms | Indeed's Terms of Service define Agentic AI and prohibit bots automating Indeed Apply outside Indeed's official vendors; the MCP server is beta and subject to Indeed's Terms of Service. | Not stated on its pages |
| MCP server | Official Indeed MCP server, beta, available only as a Claude connector: https://docs.indeed.com/mcp/ | Official OpenWeb Ninja MCP server (npm @openwebninja/mcp-server) includes a jsearch tool: https://github.com/OpenWeb-Ninja/openwebninja-mcp |
Where Openpath fits
If the agent needs a job to apply for in Austin, Texas, or a remote one, Openpath returns the listings themselves, free and with no key. See Openpath vs Indeed and Openpath vs JSearch.
Questions people ask
What do I need before I can use JSearch?
An account and API key from the OpenWeb Ninja developer portal (also sold on RapidAPI).
Is JSearch free?
Its pages listed no free use when we read them on October 15, 2026.
Sources
Every line about another company comes from its own pages. Prices and terms change, so check the source before you rely on one.
Indeed, read on October 15, 2026:
- docs.indeed.com/publisher-js-plugin: “To use the plugin, you must be an Indeed partner.”
- docs.indeed.com/publisher-js-plugin: “Integrate Indeed features into your job board or publisher site by making only front-end changes.”
- docs.indeed.com/publisher-js-plugin: “Indeed assigns each publisher a cap on how much revenue they can receive from clicks on jobs”
- docs.indeed.com/mcp: “is available only for Claude Connector”
- docs.indeed.com/mcp: “titles, companies, locations, salaries, and application URLs”
- docs.indeed.com/mcp: “Sign in with your Indeed account for first-time use”
- docs.indeed.com/mcp: “offered in beta and subject to Indeed's Terms of Service”
- indeed.com/legal: “Use of any automation, scripting, or bots to automate the Indeed Apply process outside of Indeed's official vendors”
- indeed.com/legal: “Agentic AI: An algorithm which can perform tasks in accordance with a person's instructions.”
JSearch, read on October 15, 2026:
- agents.openwebninja.com/manifest.json: “Returns live job postings from Google for Jobs covering LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter and other public job sites”
- agents.openwebninja.com/zcj/v8c3szxamb6i/services/jsearch/openapi.json: “The primary link to apply for the job.”
- agents.openwebninja.com/zcj/v8c3szxamb6i/services/jsearch/openapi.json: “Alternative apply links from other publishers.”
- openwebninja.com/documentation: “Sign up, manage subscriptions, and access API keys”
- github.com/OpenWeb-Ninja/openwebninja-mcp: “Official Model Context Protocol server for OpenWeb Ninja APIs”