1. a level within a salary or wage classification system that determines compensation
Usage: often used in military and government contexts
2. one’s level of authority or responsibility in an organization
Usage: informal; often in the phrase ‘above/below one’s paygrade’

Examples

• The new employee was assigned to paygrade 12.
• Military personnel are promoted through different paygrades based on experience.
• That decision is above my paygrade.
• She received a raise when she moved to a higher paygrade.
• The company restructured its paygrade system last year.
• Questions about budget allocation are beyond his paygrade.