How to Know If You’re Being Paid Unfairly

Are you concerned co-workers doing the same work than you are receiving better compensation? Do you think you are earning less than what you’re worth in your industry? Do you think your company is paying you unfairly?

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine if this is the case. However, several indicators can help you determine if you’re being paid unfairly.

Know Your Market Value

The first step is to research what other people with your qualifications and experience make in similar positions. This gives you a general idea of what salary range to expect.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a wealth of information on wages and salaries. The information is broken down by occupation and geographic area, which can be very useful.

You can also check out online job boards to see what employers are offering for similar positions elsewhere.

Examine Your Job Description

Another way to know if you’re being paid fairly is to compare your job description with those of other employees within your organization who have similar titles and responsibilities as yours. This helps you determine if there’s any discrepancy between the duties expected from each person and the corresponding compensation they receive.

Expectations tend to increase over time when an employee is reliable. Unfortunately, this increase doesn’t always come with a pay increase. It helps to review your original job description from time to time. If it turns out your list of duties has increased from your originally negotiated salary, it’s time to take action.

Ask Around

You can always ask other people in your industry about what their earning. Keep in mind, people might be uncomfortable discussing their salary. If possible, take your inquiries to an online industry message board or forum. This way you can get the information you need without making anyone uneasy. But keep in mind the answers you receive might not be completely accurate. Use your best judgment and take a broad view of whatever salary data you collect.

Review Pay Policies

Finally, don’t forget to review all applicable pay policies and collective bargaining agreements that apply to your specific workplace.

In many cases, this information spells out exactly how to compensate employees based on their education level, experience, performance reviews, etc. It can provide additional guidance regarding fair pay practices within an organization or industry. It might also explain the dispute resolution procedures should you determine you aren’t being compensated fairly.

No one wants to feel shortchanged when it comes to their salary. Unfortunately, wages are a common problem in the workplace.

To protect yourself against being taken advantage of financially, it pays to do research and get a better understanding of what kind of salary range is standard for someone with your qualifications/experience.

If you have questions about fair pay or you’d like to speak to someone about an issue you’re having in the workplace, contact Borrelli & Associates, P.L.L.C.