Can you ask about salary history in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Equal Pay Act generally prohibits asking about an applicant's wage or salary history before an offer is made. You can ask about expectations, and a candidate may volunteer history on their own.
The Massachusetts Equal Pay Act generally bars employers from seeking an applicant's compensation history before making an offer that includes pay. An applicant may volunteer the information, but you shouldn't ask for it up front.
Massachusetts has also added pay-transparency requirements over time. Keep early conversations focused on expectations and the role's pay range, and confirm the current rules.
Risky phrasing
“What's your salary history over your last few roles?”
Compliant rewrite
What are your compensation expectations for this position?
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