What do I do about a coworker who gets paid more than me?

Question

I've been at this company for 3.5 years and I just found out that I'm only getting paid $5,000 more than the new entry level employees. They are getting paid much more than I was paid when I was first hired.

How should I use this information?

Answer 1

This depends on your relationship with your employer. If your fairly close and work in an "open-door" management type of environment, talking with your supervisor over a cup of coffee would be just as effective as anything, without upsetting anyone or having a threatening or "cry-baby" tone.

If you work in a more official environment, than this is something one addresses during a quarterly/yearly evaluation. Here, you can let your employer know that you feel your job description and year of experience is worth $XX,x*x.xx.

I know your first instinct would be to ask for a raise, and I'm sure you have earned it and some. However, the last thing you want to do is get on the wrong side of your employer. As they say, "Never bite the hand that feeds you". So approach the situation delicately, and play it according to your environment and your relationship with your supervisor.

Don't forget, you are an asset to the company and you deserve to be compensated for your work. Just make sure you get your compensation through the proper channels.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

What do I do about a coworker who gets paid more than me?

work harder and show you are more valuable.........

I've been at this company for 3.5 years and I just found out that I'm only getting paid $5,000 more than the new entry level employees.

sorry i thought they were making more then you.............

starting salaries go up every year due to COLAs

some employees start at a higher wage due to experience and education as well as their proven track record or availability.

How should I use this information?

you shouldn't, your pay should be based on your performance and your value to the employer what others make is none of your business and is not relevant to your position unless.............

you have PROOF you are being discriminated against.

http://www.eeoc.gov

(many claim discrimination but most don't even understand what it is)

Answer 3

There is nothing for you to do with the info, even if they were getting paid MORE than you are currently.

Answer 4

threaten your boss with a discrimination law suit.  then they probably never give another raise to anybody ever again.  then everybody is upset, not just you.

Answer 5

Why does this affect you?!?!?  You negotiated your starting aslary and your raises, they did the same.  Their pay really has nothing to do with you.

If you are making $5,000 more (not sure what percentage that is over their income), but it sounds like you are doing pretty well.  I get an average raise of about $1500 per year, so in three years you will probably still be making more than them.  Not sure what the problem is.

Answer 6

Salary information is usually top-secret and companies do not like you to discuss how much you are paid. If you think you have a case for discrimination, i.e. you are a minority (female, black, disabled, etc) and all other staff your grade are paid more than you, then you need to speak to a solicitor/lawyer.

You could use it as leverage at your next salary review, but I don't think your boss will like it very much. There may be reasons that you are being paid less - do the new entrants have different qualifications, or were they "head-hunted"? Of course, he may just think that they are worth more to the company than you are (sorry but it's possible).

If you are really unhappy about this and speaking to your boss hasn't helped, then I suggest that you look elsewhere for work. You will feel more and more resentful the longer this continues and it would be better to leave on good terms than bad.