Age: 29
Location: Charlotte, NC
Current industry and job title: Analyst, health technology
Current salary: $72,000
Number of years employed since school or university: 9
Starting salary: $12.50/hour
Biggest salary jump: In 2021, I switched jobs like many people during the Great Resignation. I was burnt out from working at an infectious disease lab through the pandemic, and I realized that I could work somewhere else for more money with less effort. I pivoted to tech, where my salary changed from $50,000 to $60,000 (plus RSUs, fully covered benefits, and wellness reimbursement). I remember my jaw dropping when the recruiter presented the offer with total compensation, and I could not believe that a company thought I was worth so much.