Michigan Pay Transparency Requirements in Hospitality Job Ads: What Employers Need to Know

Michigan Pay-Transparency Requirements: Key Takeaways

Michigan currently lacks a statewide law mandating salary disclosure in job ads, but local ordinances and proposed legislation could change employer practices.
Detroit and Ann Arbor have specific regulations requiring pay transparency for municipal contracts and government job postings.
Employers cannot prohibit employees from discussing wages or punish them for wage disclosures under Michigan law.

Michigan hospitality employers must navigate a developing landscape around pay transparency. While no statewide mandate exists yet, local rules and proposed bills encourage openness in job ads.

For broader guidance on salary in job postings, explore national best practices.

This article guides hospitality businesses on what to include in job postings to align with current laws and best practices.

1. Current Landscape of Pay Transparency in Michigan Hospitality Job Ads

As of August 2025, Michigan does not have a statewide pay-transparency law requiring employers to include salary ranges or pay details in job advertisements.

To compare emerging rules, review salary range laws across states.

This absence means that, generally, hospitality employers are not legally obligated to disclose pay in their job posts. However, some local ordinances affect this, especially for public contracts.

Local Pay Transparency Ordinances in Detroit and Ann Arbor

The cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor have specific rules that impact pay transparency in certain hiring contexts.

In Detroit, employers bidding for city contracts must show compliance with equal pay mandates, which encourages transparency around wages during the hiring process.
Ann Arbor requires that municipal government job postings include wage ranges and related information, ensuring applicants see clear compensation details.

Though these rules currently apply mostly to public-sector or contract-related positions, they set examples that may influence expectations in private hospitality job ads.

When you include pay, use these salary posting tips for restaurant roles.

2. Understanding Proposed State Legislation on Pay Transparency in Michigan

House Bill 5619, introduced in March 2024, aims to require Michigan employers, including those in hospitality, to include salary ranges in all job postings statewide.

The bill would also mandate job descriptions to list essential duties, required skills, working conditions, and schedules alongside pay scales.

See this sample restaurant manager job description to outline responsibilities clearly.

Since the bill has not yet become law, hospitality employers are not forced to comply—but staying informed is critical as changes might come soon.

3. Current Legal Obligations for Michigan Employers on Pay Discussion

While no statewide pay transparency mandate exists for advertisements, Michigan protects employee rights to openly discuss wages.

Employers cannot require employees to refrain from talking about their pay with coworkers.
They may not force employees to sign agreements that deny them the right to disclose wages.
Disciplining or retaliating against employees who share their wages is prohibited under Michigan law.

These provisions support transparency internally and encourage fair pay practices, indirectly influencing how employers approach compensation disclosure.

4. Recommendations for Hospitality Employers in Michigan on Pay Transparency

Given evolving rules and expectations, Michigan hospitality employers should adopt proactive measures regarding pay transparency in job ads and workplace policies.

Voluntary Disclosure in Job Ads to Enhance Attraction

Including approximate salary ranges in job postings can attract a wider pool of qualified candidates by setting clear expectations early.

For context, check typical server salary ranges in hospitality.

This approach promotes equity and signals fairness, making positions more appealing in a competitive hospitality job market.

Policy Review to Ensure Compliance with Pay Discussion Rights

Employers should review internal policies to ensure they do not restrict employees from discussing wages, aligning with legal protections against such prohibitions.

This review helps prevent unlawful retaliation claims and encourages a transparent workplace culture.

Stay aligned with job posting compliance standards across hospitality.

Stay Informed on State and Local Legislative Developments

Hospitality employers must monitor updates about House Bill 5619 and any new local ordinances, especially in cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Being ready to adapt job advertisement practices ensures continued compliance and avoids penalties if new laws are passed.

Transparency is especially important in tipped roles—review bartender salary data when setting ranges.

5. Best Practices for Including Pay Information in Michigan Hospitality Job Ads

Clearly state salary ranges: When disclosing pay, provide a reasonable range rather than a single figure.
Detail job responsibilities and conditions: Outline essential duties, work schedules, and necessary skills alongside pay information, as proposed by legislation.
Be consistent and transparent: Ensure advertised pay matches internal compensation guidelines to build trust.
Train HR and hiring managers: Educate those involved in recruiting to understand current laws and the benefits of pay transparency.

For hotel teams, reference housekeeper pay ranges when defining compensation.

6. Useful Links for Michigan Hospitality Employers on Pay Transparency

Michigan Pay Transparency Requirements in Hospitality Job Ads: Conclusion

Michigan hospitality employers currently face no statewide mandate to disclose salary information in job ads, though local rules and proposed statutes suggest this could change.

Employers should consider voluntary pay disclosure to attract high-quality candidates and foster equitable hiring practices.

Staying informed and aligning internal policies with wage discussion protections will prepare hospitality businesses for any future legal developments around pay transparency.

01. Is there a statewide pay transparency law in Michigan?

As of now, Michigan does not have a statewide law mandating pay transparency in job ads, but local ordinances in cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor regulate some aspects of pay disclosure.

02. What does House Bill 5619 propose?

House Bill 5619 aims to require employers statewide, including those in hospitality, to include salary ranges and detailed job information in all job postings.

03. Can employers prohibit employees from discussing wages?

No. Michigan law protects employees' rights to discuss wages openly and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who share pay information.

04. Are employers currently required to disclose salaries in hospitality job ads?

Not yet. Currently, there is no statewide requirement, but local regulations may apply to specific public contracts or government postings.

05. Why should hospitality employers consider voluntary pay disclosure?

Voluntary pay disclosure helps attract qualified candidates and fosters transparency and fairness in hiring practices.