You work hard and expect to be paid fairly. But what if you find out a coworker doing the same job makes more than you? Pay disparities happen more often than people think, and employers don’t always have a valid reason for the difference. Federal and state laws protect workers from unfair wages, but proving unequal pay takes more than just suspicion. It requires evidence and a clear understanding of your rights. If you think you’re being underpaid based on gender, race, or another protected category, you don’t have to accept it. There are steps you can take to challenge it.
Understanding Unequal Pay Laws
Pay discrimination isn’t always obvious, but several laws protect workers from unfair wages. Whether you work in the private sector or for the federal government, you have rights under both federal and state laws.
- The Equal Pay Act (EPA) – Requires employers to pay men and women equally for jobs that require similar skills, effort, and responsibility.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Prohibits pay discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – Extends the time employees have to file a pay discrimination claim.
Federal employees have additional protections through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and their agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office. Many states also have laws that provide stronger wage protections than federal regulations. If your pay doesn’t match what others earn for the same work, legal options may be available to correct the disparity.
How to Gather Evidence of Unequal Pay
Proving unequal pay starts with gathering strong evidence. Employers rarely admit to pay discrimination, so it’s important to document everything that supports your claim.
- Compare salaries – If possible, find out what coworkers in similar roles earn. Job postings, salary surveys, and public records can provide useful comparisons.
- Collect pay records – Keep copies of your pay stubs, job offer letters, and any documents outlining salary policies.
- Review job descriptions – Your duties should be similar to those of higher-paid coworkers for a fair comparison. Document any differences an employer might use to justify pay gaps.
- Save emails and conversations – If a manager or HR representative discusses pay, take notes or keep written records.
- Identify patterns – If others in your workplace experience similar wage disparities, this could strengthen your case.
Having clear evidence makes it harder for an employer to deny the issue or claim the difference is justified.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Wage Discrimination
If you believe you’re being paid unfairly, taking the right steps can help you build a strong case.
- Talk to your employer – If you feel comfortable, ask HR or your manager about your salary. Some companies have internal review processes that may resolve the issue.
- File a complaint –
- Private sector employees: You can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state labor agency.
- Federal employees: You must first file a complaint with your agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office before escalating the matter.
- Document everything – Keep records of your pay, job responsibilities, and any conversations about compensation.
- Seek legal guidance – If your employer doesn’t address the issue, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Challenging unequal pay isn’t easy, but taking action can lead to fair compensation and protect others from similar treatment.
Fight for the Pay You Deserve
Unequal pay isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. At Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, we help employees fight for the wages they deserve. Whether you work in the private sector or as a federal employee, we can review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the complaint process. Don’t let pay discrimination go unchallenged. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward fair compensation. Your work matters—so should your paycheck.