Washington Pay Transparency Requirements
Rules reviewed October 13, 2026 against official sources.
Washington generally requires a wage scale or range — a fixed wage amount may be listed instead when only one amount is offered — and a general description of benefits and other compensation in job postings for employers with 15 or more employees (posting requirements effective January 1, 2023; fixed-wage clarification effective July 27, 2025).
- ✓Pay range or salary figure
- ✓General description of benefits
- —Application deadline (not required)
This tool provides general information about job-posting requirements, not legal advice. The summaries are compiled from enacted state laws and official state sources by the site operator, not by an attorney. Laws change and vary by locality and employer size, and this summary isn't exhaustive. Before relying on it, confirm the current rule for your situation with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (the agency that publishes the rule, free to contact) or an employment attorney. Spot an error? Let us know. Data last reviewed October 13, 2026.
What happens if a posting doesn't comply?
$100–$5,000 per violation plus administrative penalties up to $1,000 (current regime from July 27, 2025), with a 5-business-day cure window through July 27, 2027.
Penalty schedules change; this is a summary, not legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to remote job postings?
Generally, yes — most pay transparency laws, including Washington's, apply based on whether the role could be filled by someone located in the state, not where the employer is headquartered. A remote posting open to applicants in Washington is typically covered. Verify this against your specific situation with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Does this apply to my company regardless of size?
Not always — some states only apply these requirements once an employer reaches a minimum number of employees, and that threshold isn't uniform across states. Check the current employer-size threshold, if any, with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before assuming your company is or isn't covered.
What happens if a posting doesn't comply?
Penalties vary by state and can range from a warning on a first violation to escalating civil fines for repeat or willful non-compliance. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries publishes current enforcement details and penalty amounts.
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