I'm in STEM, got a Masters, very privileged, I know. I started a blue-collar engineering job 4 years ago. Always hit 'exceeds expectations' on the annual review (to enjoy the wonders of 2.05% raises instead of 2.00% that 'meets expectations' gets), got a promotion, got an extra pay rise for 'good behaviour,' and after all that effort and chaff…
I'm being paid 4.8% less than the day I started when you take inflation into account. The day I started I knew nothing, wasn't allowed on-site without a babysitter, didn't even have my own set of tools! That guy gets paid 4.8% more than this dummy who flies all over the US helping out and training other teams.
ARGH! Not looking for solutions, just had to rant.
Are you getting paid more than 'newbie you'?