Beginning in January 2023, Washington employers with 15 or more employees will need to include the wage scale or salary range, along with a general description of all benefits and other compensation to be offered to applicants in job postings when the posting includes qualifications for desired applicants. Previously, employers could wait to disclose the salary and benefits of job positions after making an offer, however, legislation passed during the 2022 legislative session changed that. The new Washington law applies to any job solicitation, including a printed job sign, a digital job board, third-party recruiting services and to those out-of-state employers recruiting Washington workers.

Gaps remain regarding the implementation of the bill, for example, how much detail does an employer need to provide about available benefits? If an employer hires an individual with less experience that anticipated, can they alter the salary range? As the 2023 effective date approaches, WSDA is hoping for more guidance or rules from the Department of Labor and Industries addressing these questions. WSDA will keep members apprised of further developments regarding the salary and benefits requirement for job postings.