Happy to hear from you that it pays better as you stay longer. It also makes perfect sense, because you learn the job, do it better and are a part of the company growth.
I always liked to stay for a long time in my jobs, as I was doing many online things (but also offline several times), I would see them grow and it is always nice to see the development and to be a part of it. But I never got more money or anything for doing that. So as years pass by, I understand that if I had devoted half of that time learning some skills better and focusing on something of my own, things would be very very different.
One of my employers would say "We should not cry over spilt milk" and I agree. What is important is to learn and if possible to help young people out there to recognize their worth.
Be well : )