Pretty much every company I’ve been in or know of values a vertical trajectory instead of a horizontal one for its employees i.e becoming a manager nearly always means a faster salary progression than becoming an expert in one or multiple fields.
Why is expertise valued less?
All the answers are bullshit. The real explanation is that leaders set salaries. Of course they’re going to value themselves over others. Then they’re going to rationalise it with the bullshit you see in this thread about “force multipliers” etc… it’s basic capitalism. It’s the same reason politicians in the us have free healthcare and great vacation and benefits and salaries rising above inflation, the people who control these things always make sure they get what’s fair then make excuses for why no one else does.
Watch the so-called “leaders” down vote for being called out. Workers do the work, “leaders” get the pay, owners get the profit. Why? Because the “leaders” are the tools of the capitalist class to exploit workers so they get rewarded. Basic capitalism.
I think you’re confusing leadership with administration. Generally the boots-on-the-ground leaders aren’t the ones making salary decisions.