Dear Experts,

I just found out my co-worker, who was hired at the same time as I was, is getting paid $5K more than me! We do the exact same job and have the same level of experience. We are both recent college grads. I know she got recommended for the job by her mom who is friends with our boss. However, I don’t see how she is doing any more work, or brings any more to the job than me. How do I approach my boss about this? I don’t’ think I can continue working here knowing how much more she makes than me!

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Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:

Q#358 Her pay not your business; usually bosses HATE when you compare. Make case why your work worth more money. (@uliaerickson)

Q#358 Co-worker earns more than me, Get all the facts: http://bit.ly/3CH4a2. (@ravingredhead)

Q#358 … show plan 4 future improvements. Present proposal at next review while requesting raise. (@ValueIntoWords) [2/2]

Q#358 Prove your value – write out how u helped boss/company save time/make $$, etc. then… (@ValueIntoWords) [1/2]

Q#358 Salary is confidential. Want more$? Approach boss abt. ur value & demonstrated results. Not abt. earnings of another. (@DebraWheatman)

Q#358 Another person’s pay isn’t your business. However, if you feel you can justify a raise, speak with your boss. (@gradversity)

Q#358 Document UR value to organization & present case 4 increased salary. Cannot approach from: “she gets more than me.” (@DawnBugni) [2/2]

Q#358 You’re angry because she negotiated a better starting salary than you? Same job doesn’t have to mean same pay. (@DawnBugni) [1/2]

Q#358 I used to be the other person in your question. But I negotiated my salary. Make your case next review. (@beneubanks)

Q#358 People make higher salaries for all kinds of reasons, like negotiating; that’s life. See: http://bit.ly/BugNO. (@AskAManager)

Q#358 It is unwise 2 ask 4 a match; not worth ur rep./job. Confidential info ‘found,’ alerts mngmt of employee’s focus. (@resumeservice)

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