Dec 6, 2022 - Business

Law to require job postings include salary ranges in Washington

Illustration of a hundred dollar bill being revealed behind a help wanted sign

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

A new Washington state law will require employers to post salary ranges for jobs they're trying to fill, starting Jan. 1.

Why it matters: Experts say disclosing salary ranges makes job hunting easier, while also helping reduce gender and racial pay inequities, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick wrote in June.

Details: Last week, the state Department of Labor and Industries released a new administrative policy clarifying aspects of the new law.

  • According to the department, vague language such as "$60,000 per year and up" or "up to $29 an hour" won't meet the new law's transparency requirements.
  • Instead, job listings must include a clear salary minimum and maximum.
  • Postings also must describe benefits associated with a job, including vacation days, health insurance and retirement plans.

What they're saying: In a floor speech in February, state Sen. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton) called the measure "an important pay equity bill," adding that people "should be able to have all the relevant information before they apply for a job."

  • Lawmakers who opposed the proposal argued it would put an unnecessary burden on companies looking to hire in Washington.
  • "It'll chase more businesses to Idaho and Texas and Florida," state Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) said during a floor debate in March.

Of note: The new Washington law applies to employers with 15 workers or more, even if most of a company's workforce is located out of state.

Colorado, California and New York City have recently passed similar pay transparency laws.

avatar

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more

More Seattle stories

No stories could be found

Seattlepostcard

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Seattle.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more