[jIM_Ohio]

When looking to advance in your career, employers will look at what you accomplished first, what your references say second, then look distant third towards salary.

I just turned down a position which would double my salary. I am 35 and the position offered little advancement. It is the same thing I am doing now, just more accountability. But for me to move on I would need to switch employers, as the new company was smaller and more lean- I could do what I do, but would not be able to do more or manage more when I am 45 and got burned out.

Create a name for yourself within your current position. My wife is in HR and she spots job hoppers all the time- those resumes go to bottom of pile if they even get seen at all.

Emphasize your accomplishments. Let those create your opportunities. If you follow salary now, then something else came up in 2 years, would you change jobs again? Sooner or later employers will see thru you.

BTW 4 employers in 5 years sounds more like entry level as opposed to experienced non manager to me. I would think 3-5 years in one job is experienced. 4 years total experience is not what makes a person experienced... experience in one position and growing that position to your skill set is "experienced, non manager" in my book.

I also work for a tech firm (world's 12th largest employer).