Illinois pay transparency law goes into effect Jan. 1. What you need to know

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Starting on Jan. 1, many employers in Illinois that post a job opening will have to disclose the wage or salary range and benefits for that position.

Advocates for the new law argued such disclosures will give workers the information they need when applying for new jobs.

"Here in Illinois, we've taken action to close the pay gap and strengthen protections for workers — and these amendments to the Illinois Equal Pay Act are another critical step in that fight," said Gov. JB Pritzker in a statement. "By ensuring that compensation and benefits are clear from the start, workers will have the information they need to make informed decisions, helping to create a more equitable job market."

What will the law do?

The Pay Transparency Law requires all job postings made starting Jan. 1 by employers with 15 or more employees to include information about the pay scale and benefits of the position.

Employers are not required to post any or all job opportunities, but if they choose to, then they will have to disclose the pay and benefits information.

When does the law apply?

The law applies to all jobs and employment opportunities that will be physically performed, at least in part, in Illinois or will be physically performed outside the state but where the employee reports to a supervisor, office, or other work site in Illinois.

The law applies to hourly and salaried jobs and for those where tips, bonuses, or commissions are available. It also applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary jobs as well as those subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

What if an employer violates the law?

If a job is posted without the required pay scale information, the employer can be reported to the Illinois Department of Labor. 

If the employer is found to have violated the law, they will have to correct it, or they may be fined.

For more information on the new law, visit labor.illinois.gov.