Very true. Early in my career I made the mistake of viewing a salary in terms of what it would be like in my rural area to earn that amount, which was a big mistake. It turned out I should have demanded at least double due to the significant increase in the cost of living in the city I relocated to.
For instance, for 20k a year you're homeless in NYC vs. having a house, a car, some land, and pretty good dining in rural Georgia.
I'd recommend the OP look up cost of living, as well as just applying around in his area for jobs to see if he's getting underpaid or not. If other firms are willing to pay more for his or his friends skills, its a good sign he's getting underpaid otherwise probably not.
For instance, for 20k a year you're homeless in NYC vs. having a house, a car, some land, and pretty good dining in rural Georgia.
I'd recommend the OP look up cost of living, as well as just applying around in his area for jobs to see if he's getting underpaid or not. If other firms are willing to pay more for his or his friends skills, its a good sign he's getting underpaid otherwise probably not.