If you’re searching for a new job, you’ll likely notice a growing number of job postings with salary ranges. This year alone, four states passed legislation aimed at making the hiring process more transparent, bringing the total to eight states mandating employers be upfront about compensation.
States with Salary Transparency Laws in 2023
Here’s a breakdown of those states’ laws and the average salaries for cleared workers.
1. Maryland – $117,820
On October 1, 2020, Maryland became the first state to pass a salary transparency law. Employers conducting business in the state must provide job applicants with a salary range upon request.
2. Colorado – $115,647
Any business with at least one employee in Colorado must list compensation and a general description of benefits in all job postings.
3. Connecticut – $105,772
Connecticut mandates all businesses with at least one employee in the state provide applicants with a salary range upon request or before making an offer. The law also covers employees hired internally.
4. Nevada – $95,357
Nevada must provide salary ranges in job postings. This includes employees up for promotion or transfer, and for employment agencies.
5. California – $109,840
Businesses with 14 or fewer employees aren’t required to list salary ranges in job postings, but any organization located or recruiting in California with 15 or more employees must list a range and a general description of benefits in all job postings.
6. Washington – $106,032
In Washington, companies with 15 or more employees must list a wage range in all job postings. In addition, current employees must be provided with a range upon request.
7. Rhode Island – $106,004
Rhode Islanders or those looking to work for a company operating in the state can request a wage range for a position when applying. However, employers must provide the range before discussing compensation.
8. New York – $101,551
While New York City passed a salary transparency law in 2022, a statewide mandate doesn’t go into effect until September 17, 2023. After that, organizations with four or more employees must provide a wage range on all job postings – including advertisements posted by employment agencies.
transparent hiring practices
The number of states with salary transparency laws is expected to multiply over the next few years, and currently, over a dozen states have introduced similar legislation. According to economists, the shift to transparent hiring practices has the potential to have a positive impact on wage gaps across marginalized groups. For the latest headlines affecting cleared jobs workers, visit our site.