This is also the internet. So people lie. I wouldn't be surprised if a number of people claiming they job hop and get these huge pay bumps were lying about it.

There’s also the chance that any one of us is lying. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I graduated with a 2.8 GPA. I learned everything on the job(s). My first few years were 80 hour weeks not because I had to, but because I wanted to learn [everything I didn't learn in school].

My friend never graduated and makes way more money than I do (I believe post-tax $600k but I'm only about 90% sure). Software Engineering is a booming arena right now if you have the right buzz words on your resume and soft skills for the interview. I say booming now, but Sep-Dec last year were rough. However, the market for CS job opportunities is bouncing back.

It's a game that can be played and succeeded at, regardless of pedigree, but aptitude matters. Even my favorite bartender at my local dive bar is studying it in their free time and, frankly, they're getting pretty good at it fast. I think they'll be just fine.