The amount of "pay" you get from Steemit depends on your content. If you write what people are interested in and comment thoughtfully on posts you are interested in, you will get more upvotes and in turn more "pay".
If English is not your native language, try writing in your native language. Steemit is an international community, you may get a better reception using the language you are comfortable with.
Write original content. Use articles online for inspiration, but make the final post your own.
Be patient, there are thousands of people on Steemit, you have to grow your following.
Hope this helps.
RE: why steemit so little pay