Salary & Negotiations

How to answer when they ask for your salary history

"What are you currently making?" is one of the most loaded questions in a job search, and in many states, employers aren't allowed to ask it anymore.

Whether they can ask depends on where you live. As of 2024, over 20 states and several cities have laws that prohibit employers from asking about your salary history. California, New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Illinois are on the list. In those places, you're not required to answer, and the employer can't use your history in setting your pay.

If you're not in a protected state

Redirecting is legitimate. You can say you're not comfortable sharing your current compensation but you're looking for something in a specific range. Most interviewers accept this without issue.

You can share a number if it helps you. If your current salary is high for the market, sharing it can anchor the conversation to your advantage. If it's low, sharing it can anchor things in the wrong direction.

The question behind the question is always "what will you cost us?" They're trying to assess fit before making an offer. If you give them a range that matches their budget, the history question becomes irrelevant.

What most people don't know

Total compensation is different from base salary. If your current base is low but you have equity, bonuses, or benefits that bring your total package up, you can share that full picture. "My total compensation is X, though the base component is Y" is an accurate and complete answer.

You also don't have to answer the question as asked. "I'm focused on the right opportunity and I'd expect compensation commensurate with the market rate for this role" is a complete answer. Uncomfortable to deliver, but complete.

Quick reference

State laws

AAUW maintains a current map at aauw.org/salary-history

If asked illegally

You can simply decline; you can also file a complaint with your state's labor agency

Total comp framing

Include equity value, bonus target, and benefits when describing your current package