Dear J.T. & Dale: Is there any way I can find out if my employer is paying men and women the same pay for the same job? — Britney

J.T.: In many states, it is illegal for HR to divulge what co-workers are earning. So I’d suggest approaching the issue indirectly. Start by asking the HR department about salary ranges, and what is required to attain the highest level. This approach suggests that you’re trying to learn what you need to do to enhance your performance and eventually earn more money. From there, you could try asking if there is a woman on the staff who is earning at the highest level, someone you could model yourself after. They most likely won’t divulge this information, but it’s worth a shot.

Dale: If they won’t, seek out role models on your own. That’s the kind of thing that people who get paid at the highest levels do. Meanwhile, there is an excellent book by Dr. Warren Ferrell called “Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap — And What Women Can Do About It.” It explains what is and is not discrimination — which will surprise you — and how women can turn the system to their advantage.