1. Job Analysis and Evaluation

Before looking at dollar signs, you must understand the "size" of your roles. Job evaluation involves ranking roles based on complexity, impact, and required skills.4

• Job Leveling: Group similar roles into grades (e.g., Level 1: Junior, Level 2: Intermediate).5

• Internal Equity: Ensure that roles providing similar value to the company are placed in the same grade, regardless of department.

2. Market Benchmarking

Once roles are leveled, you need to anchor them to the real world. This involves using salary surveys (like Radford, Mercer, or Payscale) to see what competitors are paying for similar positions.6

• Compensation Philosophy: Decide where you want to sit in the market. Do you want to pay at the 50th percentile (market average) or the 75th percentile (leading the market)?

3. Defining the Range Components

A standard pay band consists of three key data points: the Minimum, the Midpoint, and the Maximum. • The Midpoint: Usually set at the market rate according to your compensation philosophy. This is what you would pay a fully competent employee performing well. • The Minimum: The lowest amount paid for the grade, typically reserved for new hires or those still gaining the necessary skills.7

• The Maximum: The "ceiling" for the role. Once an employee hits this, they usually require a promotion to a new grade to see significant salary growth.

4. Calculating Range Spread and Overlap

The "Spread" is the distance between the minimum and the maximum.8

• Administrative/Entry Level: Usually a 20–30% spread. • Professional/Management: Usually a 30–50% spread. • Executive: Can be 50% or more, reflecting the longer time spent in these roles.

Overlap is also crucial. The maximum of Grade 1 should ideally overlap with the minimum of Grade 2. This allows for a smooth transition during promotions and acknowledges that a highly experienced "Junior" might be worth more than a brand-new "Intermediate."

5. Implementation and "Compa-Ratios"

Once the bands are set, you assess where employees fall within them using a compa-ratios.

• 80%–90%: Typical for new, developing employees. • 90%–110%: The "sweet spot" for seasoned performers. • 110%+: Highly experienced experts or "flight risks" if they have no room left to grow.

Summary

Designing pay bands is a balance of science (data) and art (company culture).9 By creating clear ranges, you empower managers to make fair hiring decisions and provide employees with a transparent roadmap for their financial future.