diff --git a/redbot/cogs/mutes/mutes.py b/redbot/cogs/mutes/mutes.py
index 9ef3de995..6243a2fed 100644
--- a/redbot/cogs/mutes/mutes.py
+++ b/redbot/cogs/mutes/mutes.py
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ MUTE_UNMUTE_ISSUES = {
     "hierarchy_problem": _(
         "I cannot let you do that. You are not higher than the user in the role hierarchy."
     ),
+    "assigned_role_hierarchy_problem": _(
+        "I cannot let you do that. You are not higher than the mute role in the role hierarchy."
+    ),
     "is_admin": _("That user cannot be muted, as they have the Administrator permission."),
     "permissions_issue_role": _(
         "Failed to mute or unmute user. I need the Manage Roles "
@@ -684,6 +687,11 @@ class Mutes(VoiceMutes, commands.Cog, metaclass=CompositeMetaClass):
             # removed the mute role
             await ctx.send(_("Channel overwrites will be used for mutes instead."))
         else:
+            if role >= ctx.author.top_role:
+                await ctx.send(
+                    _("You can't set this role as it is not lower than you in the role hierarchy.")
+                )
+                return
             await self.config.guild(ctx.guild).mute_role.set(role.id)
             self.mute_role_cache[ctx.guild.id] = role.id
             await ctx.send(_("Mute role set to {role}").format(role=role.name))
@@ -1331,6 +1339,9 @@ class Mutes(VoiceMutes, commands.Cog, metaclass=CompositeMetaClass):
             if not role:
                 ret["reason"] = _(MUTE_UNMUTE_ISSUES["role_missing"])
                 return ret
+            if author != guild.owner and role >= author.top_role:
+                ret["reason"] = _(MUTE_UNMUTE_ISSUES["assigned_role_hierarchy_problem"])
+                return ret
             if not guild.me.guild_permissions.manage_roles or role >= guild.me.top_role:
                 ret["reason"] = _(MUTE_UNMUTE_ISSUES["permissions_issue_role"])
                 return ret