r/fairfax

I have a coworker/friend who was promoted from a Team Lead to a Supervisor for another department and she recently found out that one of her staff that she supervises makes $3/hourly more than her. Mind you, there are two team leads on her new team that she (the supervisor) does make more than, but the employee who is in an entry-level position makes more than all of them.

The supervisor is incredibly experienced with working in their field and has been working with the Fairfax County departments since 2024. She has had two promotions within that time-frame. The staff member who makes more has been in the same entry-level position since 2023 and has no prior experience in their current or related field.

My former co-worker/friend (the supervisor) is thinking of bringing it up with HR to discuss adequate compensation adjustments for the work she does versus an employee who doesn't have nearly the same responsibilities or experience. However, usually Fairfax County employees (non-public safety) only typically get a 10% increase from a one to two pay grades--from a S17 to S19. So, she's worried they'll shut her down and state they can't go over the 10% promotional pay increase.

Have any of you that works/has worked for the Fairfax County government been in a similar situation? What advice could you give to this supervisor? Any info is helpful. I really want my friend to thrive and make what she deserves. Thanks!