JD Classification and Pay Transparency Kit

Write clear job descriptions, assess exempt or non-exempt status based on the facts, and meet your state's pay disclosure requirements. Use the classification screen, establish levels and bands, check state posting rules, and document your reasoning before posting a job or making an offer.

Four resources for writing, classifying, and posting a job

Start Here shows the order to follow. The Field Guide explains the process, the workbook covers the classification screens, and the templates provide the documents you can prepare.

• Job Description and Pay Transparency Field Guide. Covers writing the role, assessing exempt or non-exempt status, determining when a worker is a contractor, and understanding pay disclosure rules.
• JD and Classification Workbook. The exempt or non-exempt screen, a contractor risk check, a role library, levels and bands, and a state pay-range posting map.
• Editable Job Description and Classification Templates. Includes an editable Word JD template, three example job descriptions, an offer-stage pay-range note, and a classification determination record.
• Quick Reference (PDF). A one-page guide to the workbook, showing the order to follow, what each tab covers, and what to confirm before finalizing.

Where to begin

Follow the guide, assess the classification, establish the pay range, and prepare the documents. Record your reasoning as you go.

• Begin with the Field Guide. It covers writing the role, assessing exempt or non-exempt status, determining when a worker is a contractor, and understanding pay disclosure rules.
• Assess classification and pay. Complete the Classification Screen for the role, use the Contractor Risk Check to evaluate contractor status, establish your Levels and Bands, and review the Pay-Range Posting Map for your state.
• Prepare the documents and record your decision. Use the JD template or an example, establish an accurate pay range, include the offer-stage note where disclosure is required, and complete the Classification Determination Record before posting or making an offer.

What to consider when making a classification decision

Use the screens to assess classification and pay ranges, then document the reasoning behind each decision. The final determination depends on the facts of the role.

• Classification based on the facts of the role. The screen assesses exempt or non-exempt status using the salary basis, the salary level against the applicable floor, and the duties test.
• Checked as of the review date. The posting map and the disclosure guidance reflect the state pay-transparency rules in force as of the review date.
• Clear records for each decision. Keep pay ranges accurate and consistent across similar roles, document your reasoning, and review close calls with counsel.
• Remote roles follow the strictest state. For a remote role, the strictest applicable state usually governs, so confirm the employee’s state.

Who this is for and other options

Built for

• HR and talent owners who write and post jobs and want a consistent process for classification and pay disclosure.
• A small employer hiring across states who needs to know what each state requires in a posting and an offer.
• Managers assessing exempt or non-exempt status or contractor arrangements who want a structured screen and a written record of their decision.

If you are looking for

• For state-by-state posting rules on their own, see the US State Pay Transparency Pack.
• For setting the pay bands behind a range, see the Compensation Toolkit and its Salary Band Builder.

Before you buy

What format is it and can I edit it?

A PDF field guide, an Excel workbook that also works in Google Sheets, and editable Word templates you can adapt for your organization.

Is this legal advice?

No. These are practical HR templates, not legal advice. Classification, disclosures, and job descriptions vary by state and change over time.

Does it cover pay-transparency rules in my state?

The Pay-Range Posting Map covers the states with disclosure rules as of the review date. Confirm current requirements for the employee’s state, and remember that for a remote role the strictest applicable state usually governs.

How does the kit help me decide on classification?

The screen walks you through salary basis, salary level, and duties, with space to record your reasoning. Review close exempt or non-exempt decisions with qualified counsel, since the final determination depends on the facts.

What is the refund policy?

Digital products are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. To request a refund, email support@truestephr.com or reply to your receipt within 30 days of purchase.

What happens after I buy?

Your download link appears immediately after checkout. Your receipt arrives by email with the same link. Open Start Here first for the recommended order. For setup questions, email support@truestephr.com.

These are practical HR templates, not legal advice. Pay disclosures, classification, and job descriptions vary by state and change over time, so confirm current requirements for the employee’s state and review close calls with qualified counsel.

How the download works

Your files arrive as a single ZIP download, best opened on a computer. Save it, extract it (right-click and select Extract All on Windows, or double-click on a Mac), then open the Start Here file first. PDFs open in any reader, and editable files work in Microsoft Word and Excel or free equivalents, including LibreOffice, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. No other software is needed. Step-by-step help for every device is at truestephr.com/pages/download-help.