Exactly what upper management said when I left over money. This was a few years ago right before the start of covid, I'd lowballed a bit to get the role because I really wanted to leave the job I was in at the time. After a year i asked for more money and was told there isn't budget for it. Found a new job paying 20k more and put in notice. In ummimg and ahhing management ultimately decided they couldn't try to offer more than some vague promises of training to get me to stay (always bullshit)
My last conversation with upper management they just griped 'techs in your state are just so expensive!', my wage was probably in line with techs in other states but not within my local job market.
How's that my fault my guy, pay what it costs or don't have staff available where you need them..