[__loam]

Unfortunately sometimes the best way to advance, salarywise or otherwise, is to leave. The industry should do a better job at retention.

[jacobsenscott]

In my 26 years of experience I can say that's the only way to advance in this industry. Programmers are just cogs in the machine no matter their skill level. A lesson I wish I learned much earlier. I grew up with a mid-western "loyalty" mindset, and it cost me many years of fair pay.