10 Key Signs You Could Be Underpaid Compared to Your Peers
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Putting in the work without seeing it reflected in your paycheck can be frustrating. Maybe a coworker left for a new job with a bigger salary, or you’ve seen job postings offering way more money than what you make.
Unfortunately, employers don’t always give people the pay raises they deserve, and if you aren’t up to date on what others in your field are earning or haven’t been proactive, you could be making less than you should.
Here are some signs that could mean you’re not keeping up when it comes to pay. Next, learn how to negotiate a higher salary.
Your Salary Is Less Than Figures Your Find Online
If salary sites — like PayScale, Indeed and Salary.com — or job listings show higher compensation for your job, you might be underpaid compared to others in similar positions.
New Hires in Your Role Are Making More
To stay competitive in the current job market, companies adjust salaries for new hires, which means your salary may not have kept up. Find out the average salary for someone in your role who’s being hired now and compare. And if your company includes pay ranges in job postings, keep an eye on them to find out what’s on offer.
Peers With Comparable Experience and Credentials Make More
If colleagues who have comparable education, certifications, workload and years of experience are earning higher salaries, you’re likely underpaid compared to your peers.
A Recruiter Says You’re Underpaid
Recruiters know salary trends and often work with companies hiring for similar roles. If you consult with a recruiter and they mention that you’re making less than market rate, your peers are probably earning more.
Coworkers Don’t Stick Around
If coworkers frequently leave for higher-paying jobs, and the jobs they leave behind are hard to fill, it may be a sign that your employer isn’t keeping salaries competitive. Additionally, employees who stay put might be making less than industry standards.
Your Job Is in High Demand, but Your Pay Doesn’t Reflect It
If similar roles in your industry are seeing pay increases due to high demand, but your compensation hasn’t changed, you’re probably underpaid compared to others in your position.
You Haven’t Pushed for a Raise Recently
Raises don’t always happen automatically. If you haven’t had a salary bump recently and haven’t asked for a raise, coworkers who have been proactive probably are making more than you.
The Company Is Growing, but Your Pay Isn’t
If revenue and hiring have increased where you work but your paycheck hasn’t, your peers at other companies in the same industry might be seeing bigger paychecks.
Your Job Requires More, but Your Pay Doesn’t Show It
If your job requirements have required you to learn specialized skills or gain additional certifications, but your paycheck hasn’t changed, your employer may not be compensating you based on your role’s true value.
A Higher-Paying Job Requires Less Experience
If your company introduced a new position with fewer requirements but a higher salary than you currently make, it could mean your pay isn’t keeping up.
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