Can my employer disclose my salary to other companies?
Sophia Koch
Updated on January 13, 2026
Can employer disclose salary information to other employees? An employer may not prohibit an employee from disclosing his or her own wages, discussing the wages of others, inquiring about another employee’s wages, or aiding or encouraging any other employee to exercise rights under the Equal Pay Act.
Can an employer disclose your salary without your permission?
Under Executive Order 11246, you have the right to inquire about, discuss, or disclose your own pay or that of other employees or applicants. You cannot be disciplined, harassed, demoted, terminated, denied employment, or otherwise discriminated against because you exercised this right.
Is it illegal to share salary information?
The Act prohibits employers from forbidding employees from discussing their wages or the wages of other employees. Pay secrecy policies, whether formal or informal, often reflect an effort by an employer to conceal wage discrimination.
Why pay transparency is bad?
A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that transparency can backfire, causing employees who make less than their peers to decrease their productivity.
Is my salary considered confidential information?
Salaries are almost always confidential, but that’s just cultural. Your employees may already be talking. But, despite all the confidentiality, it’s all self-imposed. Federal law protects your right (and the right of your employees) to discuss their working conditions–including salary.
What to do if you dont have a case against your employer?
If a lawyer lets you know early on that you don’t have a case, you don’t need to waste time and energy collecting evidence or trying to negotiate with your employer. Next, talk with your employer to see if you’re able to resolve the situation without legal help.
What happens if an employer discloses your personnel records?
Know Your Rights. Having a right to privacy in your personnel records has several different legal effects. 1. Your employer cannot disclose its contents, except in limited circumstances, without your permission. 2. If your employer does disclose your records, you may have a right to sue them for any damages caused.
Do you need to file a lawsuit against your employer?
But filing a lawsuit against your employer can be complicated. Before you begin filing anything, consider the commitment and expectations that come with suing someone. Let’s look at a few of the details you should consider before you file a lawsuit against your employer. When is it Appropriate to Sue Your Employer?
Is it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee?
Under the Civil Rights Act and the American Disabilities Act, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion or disability. If an employer discriminates against you, this could be a situation where suing your employer is warranted. You suffered harassment.