Should part-time and full-time workers be paid different rates?

Q. Should there be a difference in wages between a part-time employee and a full-time employee doing the same job?

A. In general, there should be little to no difference in pay between part-time and full-time employees, particularly when the employees are performing the same job with the same skill sets.

It is possible for a full-time employee to make more money if the person has more experience than a part-time employee. And often, employers expect more from full-time employees than they expect from employees who work less than 40 hours a week. Even if a full-time employee is paid more money, it is typically based on the criteria mentioned above.

Ask your HR department if your company values part-time and full-time employees the same. If your company does pay your part-time employees differently, ask your employer to explain the rationale .

Good luck.

- Erisa Ojimba, Certified Compensation Consultant