How Do I Explain a Salary Difference to an Employee with Similar Experience?

I am working as an Assistant Manager HR in a chemical distribution company. I have had three positions in a similar profile for which we decided on the salary. I easily closed two of them, but for the third position, there were no candidates available in the same salary range. Therefore, I had to hire the best-fitted candidate at a slightly higher salary. After some time, one of the employees came asking why we hired someone in the same position for a higher salary, despite having the same experience and qualifications. Kindly suggest how I can motivate him and resolve this issue.

Understanding Salary Discrepancies in Hiring

The fact that you could not find a candidate for the third position within the same salary range suggests that individuals with the knowledge and skills required for the said position are not easy to come by at that salary level. This indicates that the third position is distinct from the other two and necessitates different talents.

Additionally, consider that the levels of accountability and risk are higher for the third position. If so, you can justify a higher salary for the third position on this basis. Also, remember that, like any other market, the job market is governed by the principles of supply and demand. Consequently, the value of a role increases when individuals possessing the necessary skills are in short supply.

Regards, B. Saikumar