Recently found out that I make a lot less than the rest of my team.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 24,2025 at 1:25AM UTC

   Compensation is up to the company. There is nothing illegal to pay different people different rates. What you can do is speak with your manager and see if there is something you can do to increase your compensation. What KPIs can you deliver to put you st another level. I understand the feeling of not being valued at the same level as others but find out if there is anything you can do. If not, I would start looking for a new job.

2. Jessica FerlandOctober 24,2025 at 9:51AM UTC

   There could be many reasons for that: if they have more experience than you, bilingual, etc.

3. AnonymousOctober 24,2025 at 1:12PM UTC

   Is your manager someone you can talk to? Other option would be to write up a business case why you should be compensated more. Outlining specifically what you have done, skills you've learned, projects or job duties you took on that were 'above & beyond'.

4. E.S.October 24,2025 at 1:20PM UTC

   Commenting to follow, and also say I know how you feel. I recently found out my colleague, with the same 4 years' experience, 5 years less with the company and same I title, makes 18k more than me. I agree, defeating is the feeling. Reluctantly, after a week of knowing this, I'm trying to see it as a learning opportunity. She rejected their first offer and negotiated $3 more an hour, and even now she is proactively trying to get a promotion. She doesn't settle and actively advocates for her worth, while I have mostly been the kind of person to accept what is offered and not make waves. Not saying that is your situation, but that is me. Ultimately, I'm pretty sure we have to leave to get better, but my take is that you probably do have some control over this and hopefully someone with more experience will comment on what those actions would be.

5. AnonymousOctober 24,2025 at 3:26PM UTC

   What is usually not clear is what people bring to a role that a company values. Seldom ever are two people who hold the same title exactly the same in time served, education, expertise, experience and performance. There are usually differences and overall contribution. So there is usually a range of compensation to allow for those things. To compare yourself is fine but to expect everyone to make exactly the same amount is usually not wise. Instead, try and focus on yourself and what you can do to move the needle on compensation.

6. AnonymousOctober 24,2025 at 7:39PM UTC

   I had an opposite experience. Turns out that people that are hired into our company often have a starting salary higher than long time very seasoned employees! I was stunned to find out that I was making the same salary as a higher ranking manager who had been there for many years and was considered invaluable. She was in charge of payroll and knew this and wasn’t obviously bitter about it. I never understood why she was such a snot to me. Once I found that out I realized how dumb a policy it was. Not that I wasn’t worthy of the salary I made, or was perfect for the job I do. However realizing that some really green folks were coming in making more than her or I is sobering. I always thought that there should be a posting of everyone’s salary … my boss choked on his coffee when I suggested that!

7. AnonymousOctober 25,2025 at 12:35PM UTC

   i have had recent experience with this. I found out earlier this year that I was making 8k less that someone with 15yrs less experience in that kind of role/ industry - they are a role hopper, which gives them an advantage, as does being a white male. Because I overheard his phone conversation with a lender, which was in the cubicle area at the office, he disclosed his income and was able to take it to HR. They reviewed the situation and matched salaries.

8. AnonymousOctober 25,2025 at 12:37PM UTC

   You can talk to your manager about needing a raise. I’ve had similar situations in different jobs and every time I found out I was underpaid I either requested a raise or looked elsewhere for a better opportunity.

9. GirlBossanova934974October 25,2025 at 1:26PM UTC

   Frankly as a business owner myself, I see very little to go off here. Are your team members performing the same tasks as you are? Do they have the same education? Do they have the same number of years of experience? Are you more productive than they are? How did you determine that? IF you are going to ask for a raise, you should present all of this Also is the company doing well? Are these other employees NEWER to the company than you are? Last but not least if you left the company and went elsewhere, what are the going hourly rates on the open market for what you are doing? Again, be prepared to present that.

10. AnonymousOctober 25,2025 at 1:32PM UTC

    Pls prepare yourself with better arguments than: I just learned that the rest of the team makes more than me. If that’s all you got, the convo with your boss won’t turn out well.

    Several other people already suggested laying out positive contributions to the team, cost savings, process improvements or efficiency you’ve brought to the team.

    And thus will need to be more then just showing up each day and doing your job.

11. AnonymousOctober 25,2025 at 5:32PM UTC

    Well, how did you find out? And think about a few things, instead of being defeated about it. When were you hired in comparison, what is your educational experience and work experience prior to this role? Are you at this place so long that the company has to hire folks at market rate who might make more than you as you have been there so long? How are you performing in comparison to others? Be honest here, are you over achieving or just doing the job.

    Once you lick your wounds and think through this a bit sit down with your manager and talk to them about your need to earn more and how to go about doing this. Don't let on that you know you are paid far less but let them know you want more. Be upbeat, show them why you are worth it and ask for the how and support to get there. If you just cannot get past this then the only alternative is to shop the market and find another employer where you can level up. If you can get past it and find that the company just does not value your worth as much as others find ways to make your value greater to get what you want. Good luck.

12. Tami CannizzaroOctober 26,2025 at 5:53PM UTC

    I learned the same thing early in my career. Someone with the exact same level of experience, yet less education and hired 1 year after me received $5k more in starting salary. The reason? They negotiated better. Huge learning for me. Understand your value, understand the market value, and ALWAYS negotiate. I had 3 other offers with competitors, so I would have been in a great position for tough negotiations. Yet I was so focused on getting a job with that particular organization that I didn't push.

    And as others have stated, changing jobs is sometimes the best way to increase your earnings. Or a major promotion may do the same, although not always.

13. AnonymousOctober 26,2025 at 11:06PM UTC

    Yes, I see the sentiments of another poster. Negotiation is definitely key. It has nothing to do with your skill set, some are so much better at it and start off having done so before being hired.

14. AnonymousOctober 28,2025 at 11:57PM UTC

    Do you have any insight as to why?

    Were you promoted through the ranks and they are from the outside?

    Is salary based on performance reviews?

    Are your company workers at different levels than you or are you doing the same job?

    This is tricky because in order to secure a raise you would need to highlight your accomplishments with actual results, research how your role pays elsewhere, and have a boss that would go to bat for you.

    If all of my 1st points are even then your boss doesn't see your value and your raise will be elsewhere.