How to Answer Salary History Questions

Check your local laws

A growing number of U.S. states and cities have banned salary history questions entirely. If you're in one of these, you can politely note that and redirect to your salary expectations instead.

If asked and required to answer

You can share a range rather than an exact figure, or redirect to what you're targeting for this role based on market research.

Why this question still comes up

Even where it's restricted, some employers ask out of habit or through an outdated application form. It's reasonable to note the law applies and pivot the conversation to expectations instead, without making it confrontational.