California pay transparency law: pay in job ads
In force
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; follow the official sources and ask a qualified lawyer about your situation. Last checked: .
- Who it applies to
- Employers with 15 or more employees (at least one in California).
- What the ad must include
- A pay scale: the salary or hourly range the employer reasonably expects to pay for the role. Since 1 January 2026 (SB 642) this means a good-faith estimate.
- Effective date
- 1 January 2023; definition tightened 1 January 2026.
- Penalties
- Civil penalties of $100 to $10,000 per violation, set by the Labor Commissioner. A first violation can be excused if all postings are fixed.