New York City’s new pay transparency law went into effect last year, requiring employers to include a specific salary range (minimum & maximum) in any published job listings.
And as of Wednesday, December 21, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new legislation, establishing a statewide pay transparency law in all of New York State.
The law officially went into effect on Sunday, September 17th, 2023. The landmark legislation requires all New York state employers (with four or more employees) to include offered salary ranges in their job postings.
The hopes are that these new laws will empower potential employees with critical information, reduce discriminatory wage-setting and hiring practices, and level the playing field for all workers.
“With the implementation of our pay transparency law, New York is once again at the cutting edge of promoting fairness and equity in the workplace,” Governor Hochul said. “Wage disparities have deepened inequality in our state for far too long and put countless workers – particularly women and people of color – at a disadvantage. I was proud to sign this legislation to help level the playing field across our state, and I will continue to work with the Legislature on solutions to support, protect, and empower workers until we finally close the wage gap in New York.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women made 83 cents for every dollar made by men in 2020. And these pay disparities are even greater among Black women (who made 64 cents for every man’s dollar) and Hispanic women (who made 57 cents for every man’s dollar).
“Transparency in compensation is not merely about numbers—it’s about fairness, empowerment, and the recognition of every individual’s worth. This law is a monumental step in ensuring that every New Yorker has the information they need to make informed career decisions, fostering an environment where equity isn’t just an ideal but a daily practice,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
If job advertisements do not comply with the new law, NYSDOL encourages people to file a complaint. A penalty structure will follow those who do not cooperate. People can explore this pay transparency fact sheet and FAQ document on the NYSDOL website.