In IT in SA it's all about the 1st job or job hops.. Some people salary are low because they started very low and MOST Corps in SA have range vs title and increase limits.. Ie if you come in under the range they won't complain, but above the HR throw a fit.. Same with job change %. Have had this told to be before in addition to 1st job were salary was low keeping salary down till I managed to get it up with. Job hop. It seems like it's in part negotiation (tough when 1st 1-3 jobs) or not getting a lucky break