Washington Pay Transparency Law in 2025

As of January 1st, 2023, employers need to maintain compliance with Washington's pay transparency law. Here is what businesses across the state need to know about Washington Pay Transparency.

In addition to standard Washington Payroll Laws such as Washington State Minimum Wage, businesses must also adhere to Washington State Pay Transparency.

Washington Pay Transparency Law

Effective since 2023, businesses are required to comply with requirements regarding Washington Pay Transparency (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761) under the Washington Equal Pay & Opportunities Act. 

Covered Employers

The requirements for Washington State Pay Transparency apply to employers with 15 or more employees. 

Job Posting Requirements

Under the new law, covered Washington employers must provide the following things in a job description/listing: 

• A wage or salary range
• A general description of all benefits
• A general description of other compensation

The same information must be provided to any employees who are offered a transfer or internal promotion as well. 

Salary / Wage Disclosure

The wage scale or salary range must include the most reasonable and genuinely expected compensation range for the position. This range should include the lowest and highest possible compensation possible and must be established by the employer prior to advertising the job. 

However, as of July 1st, 2025, if an employer only offers a single, fixed wage or salary amount for a new position or promotion, then the fixed compensation must be disclosed rather than a scale or range. 

Examples of Improper Wage / Salary Ranges

Examples of improper posting compliance include:

• Having a range with no maximum compensation. An example would be "compensation starting at $50,000"
• Having a range with no minimum compensation. An example would be "compensation up to $70,000"

General Description of Benefits Requirements

In order to have a compliant description of all benefits, a job description must include: 

• Health care benefits
• Retirement benefits
• PTO benefits
• Other fringe benefits that must be reported for federal tax purposes

General Description of Other Compensation 

Other types of compensation that must be included in a job description are: 

• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Profit-Sharing
• Stock Options
• Other forms of compensation that would be offered to the hired applicant in addition to their established pay

Definition of a Job Posting

A job posting is defined as "any solicitation, including recruitment done directly by an employer or indirectly through a third party, intended to recruit job applicants". It must also include an electronic or printed hard copy, the qualifications for desired applicants, and the specific available position.

As of July 1st, 2025, postings do not include solicitations published without an employer’s consent.

New "Fix-It" Grace Period

Until July 27th, 2027, employers who are notified that their job posting violates the law, the employer then has five business days to fix the issue. Specifically, within five days the employer must: 

• Correct the posting within five business days of receiving the written notice, and / or;
• Contact any applicable third-party posting entity with a demand to correct the posting

If an employer takes the appropriate action within five business days, they shall not be assessed any penalties or damages, and a job applicant may not seek remedies. Any person may notify an employer that a posting does not comply with the law. Once this grace period expires in 2027, there will be no chance to fix mistakes. 

Get Help With Washington State Pay Transparency Law

Though the new requirements may seem complex, employers don't need to stress. Complying with the state's pay transparency laws can help make employee onboarding go much smoother as well, allowing you to stay focused on tasks such as reporting new hires in Washington State.

For more help understanding Washington Pay Transparency requirements or help with compliance and employee recruitment software, contact PayNW today. 

Washington employers should also ensure a proper understanding of other state requirements, such as Washington Payroll Requirements and hours worked such as on-call pay in Washington State, which are also important to understand when looking to hire a new employee.

Watch our recruitment demo video below to see how our recruitment solution can help your business maintain compliance during the recruitment process.