I never had a raise as an employee more than 5%. I only once moved jobs as an employee for less than 50% and I tended to stay for 18 months to 3 years. I've be

I never had a raise as an employee more than 5%. I only once moved jobs as an employee for less than 50% and I tended to stay for 18 months to 3 years. I've been contacting for 8 years now, have nearly doubled my rate over that time mostly with the same client and never been told they won't pay the rate rise (number of employee devs who been there longer is zero - they haven't had pay rises). I've probably nearly found the limit without calling myself something other than a developer, or giving up being remote. Someone told me at the start of my career that dev jobs don't tend to give pay rises and to just suck it up and move every couple of years if you want the rewards. I think they were about right, short of contracting which changes that relationship. It sucks but companies are wired to take advantage.