Maryland's New Wage Transparency Law

Maryland's new wage transparency law (SB 525/HB 649) is in force as of October 1, 2024 and requires all public and private employers to include detailed compensation information in all job postings, internal and external. The law covers positions performed at least partially in Maryland, including remote and hybrid roles. There is no minimum employee requirement for coverage under this law. OutSolve offers a helpful Maryland Pay Equity Checklist (see below) to assist you in complying with this new law.

Job Posting Requirements 

• Wage Range: Minimum and maximum hourly or salary wage, determined in good faith.
• Benefits and Other Compensation: A general description of benefits and any other compensation (e.g. bonuses, commissions). Other compensation includes "Board, lodging, or other advantage provided to an employee for the convenience of the employer." For example, a ski lift operator position includes housing during employment. The posting must also include a separate range of pay for each location or opportunity, if the posting involves multiple locations or multiple opportunities at different levels of seniority. If no job posting is made, employers must disclose this information before discussing compensation with the applicant and upon the applicant's request.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining records is required for wages, job classifications, and other employment conditions for three years after a position is filled or the job posting is made if the position remains unfilled.

Enforcement and Penalties

• First Violation: Compliance letter from the Maryland Department of Labor
• Second Violation: Civil penalty up to $300 per affected employee or applicant
• Subsequent Violations: Up to $600 per affected employee or applicant within three years of a prior violation

The Maryland Department of Labor issued FAQs for further interpretation of the law Equal Work for Equal Pay- Wage Range Transparency Frequently Asked Questions- Employment Standards Service.

In addition, OutSolve offers you our custom Maryland Pay Equity Checklist- click the link below. This checklist helps you understand everything you have to do comply and we stand ready to assist you in this on-going effort to maintain best compensation practices at your organization.