Are employers allowed to pay employees differently based on their education level?

In Washington, employers are allowed to pay their employees differently based on their education level, but only to a certain extent. According to Washington’s wage and hour law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on protected classes, such as race, color, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. However, they are allowed to pay employees differently based on their education level, as long as the difference is related to the job and is not discriminatory. For example, an employer can offer a higher salary to a candidate with a higher degree if the additional knowledge, skills, or experience related to their education level is necessary for a particular job. On the other hand, an employer cannot offer a higher salary to a candidate simply because they have a higher degree and exclude others from the same job who have lower degrees. It is important for employers to review Washington’s wage and hour laws before making any job-related decisions, as failure to do so may result in expensive and time-consuming litigation. Additionally, employers should be sure to consult with an experienced lawyer if they are unsure about an issue related to wage and hour law, or if they believe one of their employees may have a claim based on discrimination.

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Are employers allowed to pay employees differently based on their education level?

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