Nine states now ban salary history questions as part of the job interview process

January 15, 2019

With new laws being introduced in Hawaii and Connecticut on January 1 of this year, nine states now have legislation in place that prohibits employers from requesting salary history information from job applicants.

The laws are aimed at ending the cycle of pay discrimination and some go further than merely banning pay history questions. A few also prohibit an employer from relying on an applicant’s pay history to set compensation if discovered or volunteered; others prohibit an employer from taking disciplinary action against employees who discuss pay with coworkers.

In addition to Hawaii and Connecticut, California, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Vermont all have some form of legislation restricting salary history information from candidates.

At the other end of the spectrum, Michigan and Wisconsin both have legislation banning any such laws.

See here for the full list and respective legislative bills.

The upside to such legislation is fairness. Proponents say that businesses should focus on the value of work on the work itself, employees’ experience and performance, as well as market factors, not the previous salary record of the candidate.

The downside is the compliance challenges, the brunt of which will fall on employers.

Whether or not your city or state is covered by such laws, the trend is taking hold. It may only be a matter of time before more join this growing list.

You May Also Like

Check out these additional posts from Mind Your Business.

Choosing the Right Background Check Provider for Continuous Background Checks

Apr 1, 2024
With continuous background checks, the importance of selecting the right provider cannot be overstated. The decision to integrate continuous monitoring into an organization’s processes comes with the responsibility of choosing a background check provider that aligns seamlessly with the unique needs and values of the organization. Let’s explore the key considerations in selecting the ideal…
Read More →

What are Continuous Background Checks?

Feb 2, 2024
Continuous background checks are a departure from traditional screening practices and are a paradigm shift in how companies vet their employees. Unlike the conventional one-and-done approach, continuous background checks involve regular, ongoing assessments of an individual’s criminal history and qualifications. Continuous background checks can be used at varying frequencies, ranging from daily to weekly or…
Read More →

The Top Five Reasons to Run a Background Check

Jan 2, 2024
Running a background check is more than just a precaution; it’s a crucial step toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and peace of mind. Let’s explore why running various types of background checks is essential in various aspects of life.  Hiring the Right Candidates In the hiring process, running a background check is a cornerstone of pre-employment…
Read More →

Quality and Precise Results, On Time!

Let us know about your screening needs to get a custom quote. We work with businesses big and small as well as the government. Which means we have a package of solutions for your organization as well.

Contact One of Our Specialists