Why are there such great differences in the wages and salaries paid to different people?

There are differences in wages and salaries paid to different people because of their range of experience and overall credentials that are present in their Curriculum Vitae. People who are more educated and have attained high levels of schooling are usually placed on the top of the food chain when it comes to salaries and wages. This is because the educational background they have is a big asset to the company which then translates to a monetary value or equivalent. People who are on the other end of the spectrum are paid based on their general skills and abilities to perform tasks (usually physical) that they truly specialize in.

There is lots of evidence