One of a series of rate steps (single rate or rate ranges) in the wage rate structure of an establishment. An outcome typically of some form of job evaluation in which various occupational classifications are rated on the basis of such requirements as skill, experience, training, education requirements and working conditions. Occupations are grouped into a limited number of steps so that occupations of approximately equal "value" or "worth" fall into the same level. See JOB CLASSIFICATIONS, JOB EVALUATION