Are employers allowed to require job applicants to disclose their salary history?

In Washington, employers are prohibited from asking job applicants to disclose their salary history as part of the application process. It is illegal for employers to make a job offer contingent on an applicant disclosing their salary history, or to make a hiring decision based on salary history. This prohibition extends to benefits and other forms of compensation. Under the laws governing employment discrimination in Washington, employers are only allowed to inquire about an applicant’s salary history after a job offer has been made. This prohibition is intended to protect against hiring decisions that are based on prejudice or assumptions about an applicant’s qualifications or worth. This prohibition only applies to private employers in Washington. Federal, state, and local government employers may require job applicants to disclose their salary history. Employers should be mindful of their obligations under Washington’s employment discrimination laws. It is important to avoid creating an unfair recruiting process or discriminating against applicants. Employers should adhere to the prohibition on inquiring about an applicant’s salary history prior to making a job offer.

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