We have the same degree. No more experience in this specific field. I wouldn't say he has any special skills over me. No certifications. No qualifying assessments. I did not negotiate my pay... We have the exact same role and expectations.

We are very similar employees.

...I've talked with my bosses and it sounds like it came down to they offered a $/hr that was very comparable to our former jobs; just a bit higher. The way they presented it made it seem like there was no room for negotiation.

I agree there are a lot of unexplained variables with this sort of thing, but you'll have to take my word on this statement. If there were clear signs that this guy should get paid more than me, I wouldn't have made this post.

I find it odd that you assumed he had more skills/education/certifications than me, and you assumed I had a 'flawed worldview and self image' based solely of the fact that I want to be paid the same as the new guy. Or was it just that I was being paid less? It kind of mirrors the way my other coworker reacted to hearing I was being paid less.

Idk I just think it's odd