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Job ranking is the simplest form of job evaluation. It involves comparing jobs as whole units and arranging them in a hierarchy from highest to lowest perceived value.
Today, this approach is rarely used and widely regarded as unreliable. Due to its high potential for bias, job ranking would not hold up as a defence in equal pay or equal value claims.
Job ranking compares jobs directly against each other, without analysing their individual components.
This method:
Evaluates jobs as complete entities rather than breaking them into factors
Produces a simple hierarchy based on perceived value
Relies heavily on subjective judgement
While all job evaluation methods ultimately create a ranking, pure job ranking is considered too simplistic — particularly when comparing roles from very different job families (for example, a nurse and a software developer).
In practice, ranking is more useful as a review tool, helping to validate hierarchies created through analytical, point-factor-based methods rather than as a standalone evaluation approach.
Job evaluation methods generally fall into two categories:
Non-analytical methods, such as job ranking and job classification
Analytical methods, such as point-factor job evaluation and job grading
Non-analytical methods compare jobs based on broad requirements without conducting a detailed analysis of job content.
A major weakness of non-analytical methods is their failure to address the systemic undervaluation of so-called “female jobs”.
Because job ranking:
Relies on perception rather than structured analysis
Is vulnerable to stereotypes and unconscious bias
it is not recommended for pay equity or equal pay purposes.
gradar is an analytical, point-factor-based job grading system designed for modern organisational needs.
By focusing on:
Agility
Transparency
Fairness
Ease of use
gradar provides a future-proof set of factors and career paths that support objective, defensible job evaluation.
Compare ranking, classification, point-factor & grading - find the right approach.
Define grades, career paths & job families for a fair, transparent organization.
