7-9.8k is a range. Assuming next grade from G9 is M, and to make M in late 30s means the person won’t stay that long in G9 to hit the highest amounts in G9 range. And there would be overlap of salary range between G9 and M. Some long timer at G9 will make more than fairly new M. So it is not wrong that late 30s M maybe making 7k+ to 8k+.

Hope this makes sense.