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    Equal Pay Certificate

    An Equal Pay Certificate requires employers to pay men and women equal wages for equal work. The certificate must be obtained through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and is valid for four years. 

    Businesses who are applying or renewing an Equal Pay Certificate must complete the online form and make an online payment of $250. 

    Questions? Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 651-539-1095.

     
     
    Change to Federal Contract Exemption

    Companies that have a certificate from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP)
    may now be required to also obtain an Equal Pay Certificate.

    Read the requirements below to determine if you are required to apply.


    Steps to Apply or Renew

    Step 1: Read the Requirements

    Confirm you meet all the requirements below before applying.

    If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact us before completing an application.

    The FAQs below provide additional information as well.

    Step 2: Complete the Application 

    Apply/Renew

    At the end of the application, you will be required to confirm proof of payment

    If paying online, complete Step 3 before submitting the application so you can enter your online payment confirmation number.

    If paying by check, you will need to enter the check number, name on check, and address on the check in the application.

    Step 3: Make an Online Payment


    The fee for an Equal Pay Certificate is $250, and the certificate is valid for four years. After paying online, you will receive your online payment confirmation number to enter in the application.

    You can also pay online with a check by using the routing number and checking or savings account number. If you have any questions, please contact us.

    Requirements.

    Contractors that meet the criteria below must apply for an Equal Pay Certificate. 

    Contracts with the State of Minnesota and Metropolitan Agencies

    • Business size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.

    • Contracting Entities: Contracts with Minnesota state departments and agencies, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

    • Contract dollar amount: A contract for goods and services that exceeds $500,000.

    Contracts with Cities, Counties, and Other Political Subdivisions

    • Business size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.

    • Contracting Entities: Cities, Counties, Townships, and other Political Subdivisions

    • Contract dollar amount: A contract for a capital project funded by General Obligation bonds that exceeds $1,000,000.

    Contracts with the University of Minnesota

    • Business size: 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or in the state of its primary place of business on a single day in the 12 months prior to executing the contract.

    • Contracting Entities: University of Minnesota

    • Contract dollar amount: A contract for a capital project funded by General Obligation bonds that exceeds $500,000.

    Fast Facts

    • A contractor may be required to have both a Workforce Certificate and an Equal Pay Certificate. 
    • Equal Pay Certificates are not needed for each contract because Equal Pay Certificates are tied to the company, not the contract. 
    • Some businesses are exempt by statute based on the type of contract. Certain contracts for healthcare services, health insurance, investment options with the State Board of Investments, and other items are exempt from these requirements. Contact MDHR for more information.
    • If you changed your business name, address, and/or primary contact, let us know by submitting this form.
    • Equal Pay Certificates are required if the company’s primary place of business is inside or outside of Minnesota.

    Audit Information

    To ensure Equal Pay Certificate holders are paying men and women equal wages for equal work, MDHR periodically conducts audits of its Equal Pay Certificate holders.

    If a contractor is non-compliant, MDHR can issue fines up to $5,000 per calendar year for each contract. In addition, MDHR can suspend or revoke a non-compliant contractor’s certificate, which could cancel current contracts and limit the contractor's ability to contract on future projects.

     For more information about Equal Pay audits, please refer to Minnesota Statute § 363A.44 Subd. 8.

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