Columbus mandates salary transparency in job postings by 2027

A bold step toward fairness: Columbus cracks down on wage secrecy. Will this close pay gaps—or burden small businesses?

, and Administrator

2025 November 9 . 9:15 PM

1 min read

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Columbus mandates salary transparency in job postings by 2027

Columbus City Council has adopted Ordinance 2898-2025, a significant step towards job transparency. The ordinance, pending the Mayor's signature, will automatically become law if unsigned by November 13, 2025. It revises the city's code to require employers with 15 or more employees to include reasonable salary ranges in job postings.

The ordinance expands on Columbus's 2023 salary history ban, positioning the city as a regional leader in job transparency. Employers have over a year to prepare, auditing their job postings and aligning pay practices to avoid compliance missteps. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after becoming law but delays enforcement until January 1, 2027.

Columbus now joins other Ohio cities like Cincinnati, Toledo, and Cleveland in reshaping employer compensation practices. The Community Relations Commission retains enforcement authority, with civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 based on prior violations. The job transparency mandate applies to jobs advertised in Columbus, even if the employer is based elsewhere. Currently, only 50-60% of Columbus employers include pay ranges in job postings, and the city aims to standardize hiring expectations and close wage gaps.

Ordinance 2898-2025, once enacted, will require Columbus employers with 15 or more employees to disclose salary ranges in job postings. This move aligns Columbus with other Ohio cities promoting job transparency and aims to improve hiring practices and wage equality.