Asking about payscale?

eec129

Is it acceptable to ask your boss about your position's payscale after you've been in the position for awhile? It sounds stupid but I didn't ask this question when I was hired a year ago. At the time I was looking to leave the company I was with and just wanted a comparable salary. I'm not unhappy in my job and not planning to leave, but I just want to know. Will this make me look bad if I ask?

MommyAtty

Most companies won't tell you. But I don't think it looks bad to ask for the general pay scales. I wouldn't just ask for your job but also for the bands above you so it looks like you're thinking about advancement.

eec129

Thanks...I wasn't sure because at the one other larger company I worked for, the scales were published with job listings (internally). My manager has asked me about my goals for advancement recently so maybe I'll just the whole topic up again during our next meeting... 

MommyAtty

That gives you a great opening. Also ask about whether there are general descriptors of how jobs are "banded" or whatever the term your company uses. That would give you an idea of what skills they value and where you should grow to advance. For example, for attorneys at my company, ours says that for a certain band, you need x years experience, to be considered an expert in one or more areas of law, lead a team, and be called upon by individual clients in more than one operations unit. So my subordinates know if they need to pick up a legal specialty or try for leadership opportunities or reach out to new business units to offer them help.

banks81

Just as another perspective, not all companies have payscales or "bands" of jobs. My company pays based on the job and the employee's qualifications. So this is not something that anyone could answer at my company or I would be able to answer for my employees. But since you asked the question, it sounds like you think this is something that exists at your company. I would go in with a reason that you are asking. For instance, "I am interested in taking on more responsibility in the future. Even if that doesn't equate to a promotion, what is the potential payscale in my existing role". This way it sounds like you are willing to do more for more money and aren't just asking for a raise.

Good luck! Those conversations can be tough

shannm

I will add that if you don't want to ask your boss, a good HR rep should be able to confidentially provide you with that info.

sandrabrooke

I've always had access to mine.  Heck, it shows up when I check my paycheck.  Ask HR though if you can't talk to your manager.