Salary is often commensurate with experience. How do you feel about someone with more experience than you having a higher salary but doing the same job?
"I don't have a problem with someone who has more experience than me making a higher salary. I respect the experience that others have and know that I will have to prove myself."
"I understand that years of experience are often rewarded with higher earning. I feel, given the chance to demonstrate my knowledge and skills, you will find that I am capable of doing the job as well as some of the more experienced employees. Having said that, I will not turn down an offer of employment because of a difference in pay based on my present lack of experience. With that in mind, what benefits are available for someone coming on board with your company with my resume?"
Most employers do offer higher salary incentives to get more seasoned employees because they bring a suite of experiences with them on top of their education. It is important to note that the interviewer is not saying you will definitely make less than someone with more experience. Many times this question is to see how you respond and how badly you want a position. If an employee is willing to put in the work and earn the pay increase, employers often see them as someone worth investing in. This is a good time to ask what the beginning salary is and discuss options that are negotiable such as benefits and paid time off.
"I realize that salaries are often determined by the amount of experience of an applicant. I appreciate the fact that employers recognize experience as a factor in determining pay and I am here to learn and to apply my skills and training to the best of my ability."
