Detroit, MI asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Michigan

Q: Is it legal to pay someone more than you make although they got hired after you and they do a less job?

I got hired as a massage therapist at a massage spa 8 years ago. I got paid $ 16 an hr and made my way to the top through hard work. and now I'm a lead therapist making $23.50 an hr. Today I found out one of the therapists they hired 6 months ago is making $24 an hr..< as a lead therapist we should be making an extra dollar more than regular therapists as their policy states > . Is it legal to favor an employee and pay him more than the others especially if they do the same job and they been there less than me or the other therapists?

Thank you!

1 Lawyer Answer

A: While your situation certainly sounds unfair, federal law only requires that employees be paid at least minimum wage for each hour worked. However, if your employer has a discriminatory motive for paying you less than other employees (i.e. if you are paid less based on your race, sex, age, religion, or age if you are over 40), then this can serve as evidence of discrimination.

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