Pay transparency laws: which states require a pay range in job postings

Not legal advice. This is a general summary as of October 19, 2026. Laws, thresholds and agency guidance change. Employers should check the official state sources and an employment attorney; job seekers can contact their state labor department.

"Pay transparency" laws require employers to show a pay range in job postings. They are meant to help people compare jobs and to narrow unexplained pay gaps. For job seekers, a range tells you before you apply whether the job fits. For employers, a missing range in the wrong state can mean complaints and penalties.

States with pay-range posting laws

The table below lists the jurisdictions JOBnaru™ checks, with the general employer-size threshold. "Employees" usually counts all employees, not only those in the state — but each law defines it differently.

Some cities and counties have their own rules too (for example New York City and Jersey City, and several cities in Ohio). More states have passed laws that start later, so check your state if it is not listed.

What usually has to be in the posting

Details vary, but the common pieces are:

• A good-faith pay range — the minimum and maximum the employer honestly expects to pay. An hourly rate or an annual salary range both work, depending on the job.
• Benefits or other compensation — some states (for example Washington, Illinois, Maryland, Colorado) also require a general description of benefits and other pay such as bonuses or commissions.
• Third-party postings count. If an employer gives a job to a recruiter or posts it on a job board, the posting there generally needs the range too.
• Remote jobs that could be done in a covered state are often included.

For job seekers

• Use the shows pay filter to see only jobs that list pay.
• In covered states, JOBnaru™ shows a note when a posting has no range. It is information, not an accusation: the employer may be below the size threshold, or the role may fall under an exception.
• If pay is missing, you can ask the recruiter: "Could you share the pay range for this role?" In many covered states you have a right to that information.
• Compare ranges across similar roles — for example semiconductor jobs in California versus Texas.
• Questions about your rights go to your state labor department (links below).

For employers

• Post the range in the job description or the salary fields when you post a job on JOBnaru™. We show the range on the job card, and jobs that show pay appear in the "shows pay" filter.
• Be realistic. A range you would actually pay is both the legal standard and what attracts serious applicants.
• Keep records of how you set the range.
• Read our guide to posting a job on JOBnaru™ for what to include and what to avoid, and the employer page for pricing.

Where to check the rules

• New York: dol.ny.gov/pay-transparency
• California: California Labor Commissioner
• Washington: Department of Labor & Industries
• Colorado: Department of Labor and Employment
• Illinois: Illinois Department of Labor
• Minnesota: Department of Labor and Industry
• New Jersey: Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Terms like "good-faith range" and "pay transparency" are also in our glossary.

Last checked: October 19, 2026.

Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/news/pay-transparency-laws-job-postings