9 Signs You're Underpaid at Your Workplace

Your salary is less than the average of the online data
Your responsibilities at work have increased but not your salary
You have fewer benefits than your colleagues
You never negotiated a higher salary
Similar designations at your company are being paid more
A recruiter indicates that you’re underpaid
Your salary doesn’t account for inflation
Your salary is the same despite your company’s growth
Recent hires are being paid more
What to do if you’re being underpaid?

As human beings, we are prepared to earn our living right from our childhood.
This is why our parents invest in our education and help us pave our path.
Even the ones that aren’t able to educate their children to pass on the knowledge of skills they possess for their children to earn their bread once they grow up.
At the end of it all, it comes down to acquiring skills, education or traits to earn a decent living and hopefully do the same for future generations.
In the modern world of corporations and organizations, what you earn is decided upon your qualifications and experience.
While there are industry standards to quantify your experience and qualifications, you might be in a job where you’re underpaid as per the same standards.
A lot of us do not recognize what our salaries should be based on our qualifications.
So, how do you know if YOU are underpaid?

Your salary is less than the average of the online data

The first and biggest sign that you’re underpaid is when your salary is lower than the average salary in your profession.
Log onto websites like AmbitionBox where you can check on the average salary of your designation. This will give you an idea of whether you’re underpaid or not.
If your salary is less than the average of what the online data suggests then you’re probably underpaid.

Your responsibilities at work have increased but not your salary

Another crucial sign that can indicate that you’re underpaid is piling responsibilities without any raise.
If your duties since you joined a company have increased without any increment in your salary then you’re most likely underpaid.
You need to understand that an increase in responsibility should be fairly compensated by your company. So, if you have noticed an increase in the responsibilities then you deserve a raise as well.

You have fewer benefits than your colleagues

All employees get certain benefits from the company they work for. This may include paid time off, travel allowance, etc. depending upon the company policies.
If you find yourself having fewer benefits than your colleagues then you’re most likely underpaid.
A lot of times these things may get overlooked because of similar salaries. But, if your benefits are less, then it still makes you underpaid compared to your colleagues.

You never negotiated a higher salary

This one is a no-brainer but still can be overlooked at times.
If you have been working at a company for some time but never tried to negotiate for a higher salary than you think you deserve then obviously you’re underpaid.
Many times, certain companies may not take the initiative to give an appraisal or even try to have a conversation about a raise. This generally happens in small to midsize companies where policies are not well established.
However, it’s still possible. So, initiating an open dialogue from your end may change it for you.

Similar designations at your company are being paid more

If you have colleagues that come from the same educational background and experience but are paid more than you do then you’re likely to be underpaid.
Sometimes similar designations to yours may require the same amount of experience and education at your company.
However, this doesn’t mean that just because they’re different for namesake, that you should be paid less for it.
So, if this is the case then you’re underpaid and should have a dialogue with your employer for the same.

Recent hires are being paid more

If you notice that new hires are being appointed to fill existing positions on higher packages then you’re most likely being underpaid for your contributions at your company.