[rattlsnak]

depends on the company. most bigger 'corporate' companies have all this stated in job grades and pay scales within those job grades. they have to by law.
i.e.
Engineer level 2 = Job grades 8, 9 and 10.
Pay ranges, 8 - 32-42, 9- 35-45, 10 - 38-48, etc... so yes, a level 8 could potentially make more than a level 10 in certain circumstances. This is where the longer youve been somewhere the more potential you have of getting "screwed".

example... you've been at the company for 10 years. you were hired in at enginnering level 1, grade level 6. over the years you have progressed to engineer level two, grade level 9. it is VERY releastic for the company to hire in a new employee (based on exp) at engineer level 2, grade 9 or 10 with a higher pay than you right out of the gate. Or worse, a level 8 with higher pay.. happens every day, trust me..