Are employers allowed to ask questions about previous salary history?

In Hawaii, employers are prohibited from asking questions about a job applicant’s previous salary history during the process of hiring or promoting an employee. This law was established to ensure that employers pay employees fairly and avoid perpetuating gender and race wage gaps. The Hawaii Equal Pay Act states that employers cannot inquire about an individual’s past or current salary, wages, or benefits. It also prohibits employers from using salary history as a factor in determining whether to offer employment, how much to offer, or what benefits to offer. Employers are allowed to ask questions related to an individual’s experience, knowledge, skills, performance, and other qualifications to determine their qualifications for the position. Additionally, employers are allowed to ask job applicants what their salary expectations are. Overall, Hawaii’s laws regarding salary history inquiries in the employment process protect employees’ rights to earn equal pay, regardless of their race or gender. Employers who violate this law may be subject to penalties, including fines or potential lawsuits from employees.

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Are employers allowed to ask questions about previous salary history?

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