When you’re managing payroll, it’s tough to keep track of federal, state, and local law. But if you want to avoid fines and legal issues, you have to maintain compliance. Pay equity laws make this especially complicated because they vary between states, cities, and even counties.
Women in the United States make approximately 84 cents for every $1 men earn (Forbes). Many states are trying to change that by writing more specific bills into law regarding pay transparency, retaliation, and annual pay data reporting. The goal of these laws is to enforce equal pay practices and eliminate discrimination.
How Many States Have Equal Pay Laws?
As of 2024, all states have at least some anti-discrimination laws that discourage employers from paying women less than men. However, the language of these laws varies widely, and they can be difficult to enforce.
It’s also important to note that all 50 states and the District of Columbia follow the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits pay discrimination on the basis of sex. In recent years, many state legislatures have pushed even stronger laws into action. Some of those laws regulate pay transparency and wage history as well.
If you want to know about the pay equity laws in your area, you can use this state-by-state chart as a reference.
These laws change often. Every time you update your company policy on pay equity, make sure you consult with your legal team to stay compliant.
State-by-State Pay Equity Laws
The information provided in our chart is for educational purposes only; it is not legal advice. Always check regulations and consult with an attorney to help ensure compliance.
How Paycor Helps
Paycor empowers over 40,000 customers to stay compliant with federal, state, and local equal pay regulations. Learn more about how our award-winning HCM platform helps you track important changes, communicate with employees, and update your HR strategy as needed.