But the other "perk" of the job is to get a leg up. Most first promotions from an hourly associate to an exempt associate are just that, a way to get a leg up and get your foot in the door. If you are only taking the job because of the money that will more than likely not work out for you.
How long did you stay in that role? Did it help get your foot in the door? Did you gain experience to help in another role? If so then you were compensated more than dollars. Remember, your employer took a chance on an unproven worker as well. They shared equal risk.