4 Factors That Can Result in Different Pay Levels for Employees Doing the Same Job

by Flora Richards-Gustafson Google

Completing the same job as a colleague and not receiving the same wages can seem unfair. While it is normal to expect what you think is a fair share for your talents and skills, there may be good reasons why you earn less. Legally, there should not be a large wage gap between you and a coworker doing the same job, and it is a good idea to discuss such issues with the human resources department or your supervisor.

Education and Experience

It is common for companies to pay employees according to a scale. For example, a classified listing may state a job pays between $10 and $15 per hour. A qualified candidate who has a greater amount of education and/or experience than one who meets the basic job requirements is likely to earn more money. If your coworker does the same job as you but earns more money, it is possible she had more work experience or a higher academic degree than you when she started with the company. Some companies offer bonuses to employees who earn a degree, an issue worth looking into if you are willing to do the work for a higher salary.


Those who possess desired skills may receive higher pay even if they do the same work as you. Some law enforcement agencies, for example, pay police officers who speak more than one language fluently more than their mono-lingual counterparts. In the computer science industry, professionals who hold certain certifications may also earn more than coworkers doing the same job. Additionally, a coworker who does the same basic work as you may have some additional responsibilities of which you are not aware.

Length of Time with Employer

Some companies offer yearly bonuses to encourage employee retention. If a coworker has the same position as you but has worked at the company for more years, her annual bonuses may be the reason you earn less for doing the same job.


While it is illegal, discrimination is a factor that can result in different pay levels for employees doing the same job. Jacqueline A. Berrien, chairwoman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, stated in 2010 that women generally earned 23 cents less than men for every dollar earned when performing similar jobs. Women in minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities earn even less than their male counterparts. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 makes it illegal for employers to pay you less wages on the basis of your religion, gender, disability, race, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy status or genetic information for doing the same or similar work as other employees. If you experience wage discrimination and have proof of such, you can report your company to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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