No, although they are related, they are not the same.

Pay level refers to a fixed point or grade in a pay structure assigned to a specific job, role, or classification. Progression refers to movement within or between pay levels or salary bands, usually based on experience, performance, or years of service.

The key word for progression is “range”, as it indicates how an employee can move within a defined salary band tied to their job or grade. So, while pay levels are static points in the structure, progression is about how an employee advances through those levels or within a pay range.