Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Establishing Statewide Pay Transparency Law

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.9427-A/A.10477) establishing a statewide pay transparency law in New York State, requiring employers to list salary ranges for all advertised jobs and promotions.

"In order for New York to continue being the best place to work, we must create the best protections for our workers - and this legislation will help do exactly that," Governor Hochul said. "This historic measure will usher in a new era of fairness and transparency for New York's workforce and will be a critical tool in our efforts to end pervasive pay gaps for women and people of color."

Legislation S.9427-A/A.10477 establishes a pay transparency law in New York State, requiring employers to list salary ranges in advertisements or postings for job opportunities and promotions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women made 83 cents for every dollar made by men in 2020; these disparities are even greater among Black women (64 cents) and Hispanic women (57 cents). The disclosures required by this law will empower workers with critical information, reduce discriminatory wage-setting and hiring practices, and help level the playing field for all workers.

State Senator Jessica Ramos said, "With today's bill signing, New York's first woman governor is implementing a statewide structural fix to the racial and gender-based wealth gaps that leave women in the workforce far behind their peers. Equal pay for equal work is how we build up women as the economic anchors of their communities. As this law goes into effect, I encourage all New Yorkers to talk about your pay, demand transparency and use this law to ensure you are earning what you are worth."

Assemblymember Latoya Joyner said, "Changing the culture and leveling the playing field at workplaces through New York, the Salary Range Disclosure Act will make sure that workers benefit from greater transparency when it comes to wages and benefits. When employers provide much needed clarity to pay structures and make that information available to employees and job seekers, we can reduce gender pay inequities by encouraging employers to update antiquated practices that have reinforced patterns of wage discrimination."

President of PowHer New York Beverly Neufeld said, "By signing S9427A /A10477 into law, Governor Hochul reaffirms New York's longstanding commitment to ending gender and racial wage inequality. Identifying the expected wage range for jobs will provide applicants with the information necessary to negotiate fairer salaries, and thus help to end the pernicious wage gap that continues to rob some workers, particularly women of color, of fair pay and economic well-being. It is fitting that New York's first female governor institutes this salary transparency law which will create a much needed shift in practice and in culture and keep New York at the forefront of the national pay equity movement."

Senior Attorney, Legal Momentum, Seher Khawaja said, "Today, New York State delivered on its promise to advance pay equity for women and people of color, extending vital protections across the state and leading a national movement to dismantle our harmful culture of pay secrecy. At a time when Black and Brown women face heightened disparities and businesses struggle to retain workers, this new law empowers even the most vulnerable worker to seek and advocate for fair pay while creating incentives for employers to adopt better pay practices known to drive retention and productivity. This is an important win for New York State."

Chair of the Legislative Committee of NELA/NY Miriam Clark said, "The Salary Transparency Act signed into law today will provide fundamental information for all New York workers and takes an important first step toward pay equity for women and people of color."