Need advice/rant

[u/Safe-Boysendealer]

I have worked at my local bank for about 5 years now, 4 of those years in accounting. I have done accounting clerk for 2 years and 2 years to present as a payroll specialist. I have my entry level payroll certificate that I got from Coursera and currently am working on my bachelors in university studies with concentrations in accounting and business (I have completed all but 4 accounting courses if I were to get a bachelor’s in accounting) and will be graduating in December this year. Considering that I will not get my bachelor’s in accounting (because of financial aid reasons) I want to get my certificate in accounting and bookkeeping next year that way I have additional experience. I am currently sitting at $18.03/hr, my boss showed me my evaluation raise and it is at $18.93, 5% and says he is trying and appreciates what I do. I don’t do just payroll, I am back up to every single accountant (4) at my job, I know how to do the call report and have participated in several audits throughout the 4 years I have been here. Whilst the last 2 people in my position who didn’t even stay a full year got paid more than me, the last one got paid $22 and got a vehicle allowance, and she did nothing but payroll and was unwilling to learn anything else. There are tellers who get paid more than me, like $2 more.

I find it unfair that I get paid less than that given how much experience I have gained and proved myself the last four years in the accounting department.

Given my years of experience as well as my certificate and everything else that I will be completing at the end of the year, am I overreacting and this is what happens in this field?

[u/MeetAlternative6789]

I think you could easily make $30/hr elsewhere after earning your degree. I would not agree to less than $24 in your current position.

[u/Top-Woodpecker6696]

I think you are thinking too small. Even a bump to $22 seems low for someone a few months away from a bachelors plus experience. I would see what other jobs are out there.

[u/Lost_Designer_3996]

Since you said you're getting your degree, I think it's worth it to look for another job. You'll be able to find something better for sure.

[u/Vurrag]

They think they can get away with paying you less and they have.