Pay transparency law in Maryland: what employers must put in a job posting (2026)
Yes — for employers of any size. Under Maryland's Wage Range Transparency Act (effective October 1, 2024), every job posting must include the wage range, a general description of benefits, and any other compensation offered. There's no company-size minimum.
The rule, in plain English
Maryland's Wage Range Transparency Act took effect on October 1, 2024. It has no minimum-employee threshold — it applies to employers with Maryland operations, employees who perform work in Maryland, or who allow remote work performed in Maryland.
- Who it covers: internal and external postings for roles performed (even partly) in Maryland, including remote work done from Maryland.
- The wage range: the minimum and maximum salary or hourly rate you believe in good faith to be accurate at the time of posting — you can base it on a pay scale, a prior range, current employees in comparable roles, or the budgeted amount.
- Benefits to describe: employer-provided insurance (health, life, etc.); paid or unpaid time off (sick, vacation, leave); and retirement or savings plans (401(k), pension).
- Other compensation: anything else on offer — bonuses, commissions, overtime, and similar.
The Maryland Department of Labor publishes a disclosure template you can use to lay out the wage range, benefits, and other compensation in a compliant format. Using it is a simple way to make sure you've covered all three elements.
What happens if you don't
Maryland uses a graduated approach: a first violation gets a compliance letter ordering you to fix it (no fine). A second violation can bring a civil penalty of up to $300 per affected applicant or employee, and subsequent violations within three years up to $600. Confirm the current amounts on the official MD Labor page before relying on them.
What to actually put in the job description
Maryland wants pay, benefits, and any other compensation together:
Wage range: $66,000–$88,000 per year.
Other compensation: annual bonus eligibility.
Benefits: employer-provided medical, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; 401(k) with match.
For an hourly role, post the wage range — e.g., "$23–$29/hour."
Frequently asked questions
Does the Maryland pay transparency law apply to small businesses?
Yes. There's no minimum-employee threshold — it applies to any covered employer, even a one-person Maryland operation.
Do I have to describe benefits in the posting?
Yes. Along with the wage range, you must include a general description of benefits — insurance, time off, and retirement/savings plans — plus any other compensation.
Do remote jobs need the disclosure?
If the remote role is or could be performed from Maryland, the posting must include the wage range, benefits, and other compensation.
How long do I keep records?
Keep a compliance record for each posting for at least three years after the position is filled, or three years after it was posted if it's never filled.
Generate a MD-compliant job description — free
Our free JD generator builds an inclusive, bias-scanned job description with the Maryland wage disclosure wired in. Add your benefits and other-compensation lines and you're compliant. No signup.
Write a compliant MD JD →This page is general information, not legal advice, and TranscendByDesign is not a law firm. Pay-transparency rules change and have nuances this summary doesn't cover. Confirm your obligations against the Maryland Department of Labor's official guidance — labor.maryland.gov — or with employment counsel, before posting.