Template · Free download

Salary Band Framework Template

A salary band framework template to define levels, ranges, and midpoints so pay is consistent, market-aligned, and defensible across every role and team.

Updated

Sign in with Google below to download the PDF and CSV straight away.

Get your free download

Sign in with Google to unlock the PDF and CSV instantly. No form to fill in.

Free. By continuing you agree to our terms and privacy policy. We record your email and this download; marketing emails only if you tick the box.

What you get

  • A leveling matrix mapping job levels to band names and scope
  • A salary band table with min, midpoint, max, and range spread
  • Compa-ratio and range-penetration formulas for placement
  • A market-pricing and band-refresh process you can repeat yearly

Template preview

A preview of the structure. Download the PDF or CSV for the complete, ready-to-use version.

Framework setup

Set your market target and structure before pricing individual bands.

Inputs

Target market percentile— e.g. 50th (median) or 60th
Survey sources— Radford, Mercer, Pave, levels.fyi
Geographic strategy— national, zone-based, or location-specific
Range spread— % from min to max, e.g. 45%

Salary band structure

BandLevelMinMidpointMaxRange spread %
B1Entry / IC155,00066,00077,00040%
B2IC268,00085,000102,00050%
B3Senior / IC395,000118,750142,50050%
B4Staff / Manager130,000162,500195,00050%

Placement tracker

EmployeeRoleBandCurrent salaryCompa-ratioAction

Compa-ratio = salary / band midpoint. Aim for 80-120%; below 80% signals an underpaid risk, above 120% signals a topped-out employee who needs a promotion to keep progressing.

This is a preview — the full template continues in the download.

Sign in above to download the full template.

How to use this template

  1. 1

    Define your levels

    List job levels from entry through executive and the scope, autonomy, and impact that distinguish each.

  2. 2

    Price the market

    Pull survey data for benchmark roles, pick a target percentile, and set the midpoint for each band.

  3. 3

    Build the ranges

    Apply a consistent range spread (e.g. 40-50%) around each midpoint to set the min and max.

  4. 4

    Place and review

    Map current employees into bands, flag anyone below min or above max, and review the framework annually.

Frequently asked questions

How wide should a salary band be?

Most companies use a 40-50% range spread (max is 40-50% above min). Wider bands suit senior or specialised roles where experience varies a lot; narrower bands suit standardised entry roles.

How often should I update salary bands?

Refresh bands annually using current survey data. In fast-moving markets or high-inflation periods, a mid-year check on hot roles keeps offers competitive without re-pricing everything.

Should I share bands with employees?

Increasingly yes — pay transparency laws in many regions now require posting ranges. Even where optional, sharing bands and how placement works builds trust and reduces pay-equity complaints.