When an employer advertises a job, do they have to include the expected pay?

Yes. Under the law, BC employers are required to include wage or salary information in public job postings. They can provide the expected wage or salary, or give a range. For example, $20 per hour, or $40,000 - $50,000 per year. But if they give a range, they can’t leave it open ended. For example, $20 per hour and up, or up to $50,000 wouldn’t be acceptable. 

The wage or salary included in a job ad should be based on the employer’s reasonable expectations, based on historical data and publicly accessible information on the pay for similar positions. That said, this doesn’t prevent you from asking for more pay than what’s advertised. And it doesn’t bar your employer from agreeing to pay you more than the amount in the ad. 

This law applies to third party job postings as well, such as ads on a job board or job search website. It also covers jobs advertised outside of BC if the position is open to applications from BC residents. However, it doesn’t apply to general “help wanted” posters or ads that don’t mention a specific job opportunity. 

For more, see the provincial government’s website.