Cleveland’s equal pay legislation takes one step further than other Ohio cities

As the latest Ohio city to enact legislation banning salary history inquiries, Cleveland has differentiated its law from those of other Ohio cities by mandating that employers provide a salary range or pay scale in each job posting.

On April 28, the Cleveland City Council passed Ordinance No. 104-2025 to “help ensure that compensation is based on the qualifications, experience, and responsibilities of the position rather than the applicant’s identity or background.” Barring unforeseen circumstances, the ordinance is set to take effect on October 27, 2025, giving Cleveland employers six months to ensure compliance.

Requirements and covered employers

The ordinance applies to for-profit and nonprofit private employers with 15 or more employees in Cleveland as well as the city of Cleveland itself. The law’s requirements apply only to applicants who would perform work within Cleveland’s geographic boundaries.

Like the laws adopted by Toledo, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Cleveland’s ordinance prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history or using salary history when deciding an applicant’s salary. However, an employer may discuss salary expectations without inquiring about an applicant’s salary history. Further, applicants are not prohibited from making a voluntary and unprompted disclosure of salary history.

In particular, the ordinance makes it unlawful and discriminatory for an employer to: