At Madison Resources, we aim to be more than just a provider—we strive to be a true partner to your staffing firm. That’s why we focus on delivering essential information to help you stay accurate, efficient, and compliant—especially when it comes to the new Maryland pay transparency and pay stub laws taking effect on October 1, 2024.
Recently, the State of Maryland passed two new laws during the 2024 General Assembly Session:
- The Pay Transparency Law, which requires employers to include compensation and benefits in job postings
- The Pay Stub and Pay Statement Law, which mandates written notice of pay, paydays, leave benefits, and detailed pay statements each payday
What’s Changing?
Previously, Maryland law only required employers to disclose wage ranges if an applicant requested them. Now, under the new Wage Range Transparency Law, employers must include:
- Wage ranges
- General benefit descriptions
- Any other form of compensation
This information must appear in all job postings, both internal and external. If a posting isn’t available prior to an application, employers must share this information before compensation discussions and whenever the applicant requests it.
How to Define a Wage Range
Employers can determine a wage range using:
- An established pay scale
- A previously determined wage range for the role
- The actual range for similar positions
- The budgeted salary for the job
If the pay is fixed, that rate must be clearly listed in the posting.
What Else to Include in Job Postings
In addition to wage ranges, postings must include:
- A general overview of benefits such as insurance, paid/unpaid leave, and retirement plans
- Additional compensation like bonuses, commissions, tips, stock options, or employer-provided meals and lodging
Each job posting must reflect a specific range for a single position in a single location. For jobs across multiple locations or seniority levels, employers must include separate pay ranges. This applies even to reposted positions, as long as changes are made in good faith.
Where This Applies
These rules apply to all job advertisements, including:
- Print ads
- Social media
- Email outreach
- Third-party agency postings
Any role where work is physically performed—at least in part—in Maryland is covered. However, roles that involve only occasional work in the state, such as attending a meeting or conference, are excluded.
Pay Stub and Pay Statement Law: Key Details
Currently, employers must inform new hires about pay rates, paydays, and leave benefits. Starting October 1, 2024, this information must be delivered in writing.
Each payday, employers must provide written or online pay statements that include:
- Employer’s name, address, and phone number
- Date of payment and pay period
- Hours worked (if non-exempt)
- All rates of pay, bonuses, commissions, and piece rate info
- Gross and net earnings
- All deductions
What Employers Must Do Now
These requirements cannot be waived by employees. Employers must provide at least one pay period’s notice of any wage decrease (though increases can be made without prior notice).
To stay compliant, employers should:
- Update onboarding procedures
- Revise pay stub formats
- Train HR and payroll staff
- Ensure job postings meet all Maryland pay transparency and pay stub laws
Although individual employees cannot file lawsuits, the Commissioner of Labor may enforce these laws and issue fines of $500 per employee who doesn’t receive the required notices.
How Madison Resources Supports You
Madison Resources ensures that both our paper and online pay statements meet all state requirements. We encourage all Maryland employers to thoroughly review their job postings and onboarding processes to ensure full compliance.
As always, we recommend consulting with your attorney, CPA, or another trusted advisor for detailed legal guidance.
Need Help or Have Questions?
📘 Read the official FAQ:
Maryland DOL Wage Range FAQs
📞 Contact the Wage and Labor Standards Enforcement Unit:
Spanish: (410) 767-2370
✉️ Email: workrights@maryland.gov
📬 Mail:
Maryland Department of Labor
1100 North Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
English: (410) 767-2357
Explore our website to find more Legislative Updates. Madison Resources is the premier payroll funding and back office support partner to the staffing industry. Grow with confidence.