Can you ask a job applicant about salary history?

It depends where you’re located. Starting today, Washington state employers cannot ask about salary history. The theory behind this action is to be sure individuals are paid right for the job position, and that those who’ve been absent from the workplace (e.g., parents who stayed home for a while to raise children; those who spent time in volunteer positions) are not penalized. Find a running list of other states that ban questions about salary history at HR Dive.