Engineering firms often offer new hires more than recent(1-3 years) hires because inflation at the hire level is driven by scarcity but year by year inflation i

Engineering firms often offer new hires more than recent(1-3 years) hires because inflation at the hire level is driven by scarcity but year by year inflation is governed by cost of living plus 2-3% and COLA has been on a very slow upramp due to the depression and aftermath. The new job company knows the newhire level of wages plus the wages you get (more or less) and they see in you some potential. As others have said, if you were properly assessed by the hiring interview, you need have no fear of the future. You just have a little fear of the unknown - do not hide under covers - go out, slay dragon(s)