I worked in a food flavoring plant mostly using vacuum distillation, I operated a fork lift, wired in a new MCC, programed PLCs, walked miles a day as an intern for college credits and $10/hr but I was young and naive and thought that it was ok. After temps were getting let go left and right for not knowing how to run the stills and my internship was ending, I thought it was my time to shine. I was given $12.50/hr and the promise that in 10 years I could be running the whole plant by being the fireman's right hand man.
The owner brought his brand new Audi in every day, except Friday when he brought in his Porche. Workers had to share a respirator when synthesizing decanal with sodium hypoclorite, a two man job.
I asked my manager about why pay was so low and he said he had taken a pay cut so he could be a manager there and that's just how it is. I quit that day for a CAD drafter internship starting at $15.
I used that experience to get a drafter position at a telco company and quickly was given tons of responsibilities. The pay wasn't commensurate and it took me a year to get a new job but I left as soon as possible.
My degree is in manufacturing and electrical technology but I have a cushy wfh job and I'm about to bend them over a barrel this review cycle for creating a process that only I can manage.
If they don't pay, I think you know what I will do!
TLDR: always leave for more money.