06/11/2026
California just cracked down on fake salary ranges.
As of January 1, 2026, SB 642 requires employers to post a good faith pay range, what they actually expect to pay the person they hire.
So a posting like “$40,000 to $120,000” for a mid-level role? Not compliant. Something like “$75,000 to $85,000”? That’s the idea.
It applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including third-party recruiters posting on their behalf. Penalties run from $100 up to $10,000 per violation, and every posting can count as its own violation.
If you applied to a job with a bogus range, or you’re being paid below what was advertised, you may have a claim.
Send this to anyone job hunting.