Why so many young workers feel underpaid

Entering the workforce is an exciting milestone for many young people. It offers independence, valuable experience, and the opportunity to build a career.

However, one concern continues to dominate conversations among recent graduates and young professionals: are young workers being systematically underpaid?

Also see: Desk-to-Workout: Quick Routines for Office Workers and Students

While entry-level positions naturally come with lower salaries than senior roles, many young employees believe their wages do not reflect the rising cost of living or the value they bring to employers.

The issue has sparked debate across industries, raising important questions about fairness, opportunity, and the future of work. 

So why do young workers often earn less?

IOL says that several factors contribute to lower wages for younger employees. Most are entering the workforce with limited practical experience, making them less competitive for higher-paying roles.  

Employers often view entry-level jobs as opportunities for learning, where training and mentorship form part of the overall compensation. 

Additionally, many young workers accept lower salaries simply to gain experience, build professional networks, and strengthen their résumés. In competitive job markets, this can leave them with little negotiating power. 

The rising cost of living

According to The Conversation, although lower starting salaries have long been common, today’s economic realities have made the situation more challenging. Rising housing costs, transportation expenses, food prices, and student debt have increased the financial pressure on young workers.

For many, wages have not kept pace with inflation or the cost of maintaining a basic standard of living. As a result, some young professionals work multiple jobs or continue living with family members to manage their finances. 

Also see: New labour laws will strengthen protections for South Africa’s workers

Is age bias playing a role?

Some experts argue that younger workers may face subtle forms of age bias. They are sometimes perceived as inexperienced, less committed, or easily replaceable, which can influence salary offers and promotion opportunities. 

However, employers often counter that compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, performance, and market demand rather than age alone. The reality usually varies between industries, organisations, and individual workplaces. 

Internships and entry-level positions

Internships can provide valuable experience, but not all are financially rewarding. In some cases, unpaid or low-paid internships create barriers for young people who cannot afford to work without adequate income. 

Similarly, some entry-level positions require advanced qualifications and multiple years of experience while offering salaries that many believe are too low. This mismatch has become a growing source of frustration among job seekers. 

How young workers can improve their earning potential

While wage challenges remain, there are practical ways young professionals can strengthen their position in the job market:

• Continue developing in-demand skills through short courses and certifications. 
• Build practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance work. 
• Research industry salary ranges before accepting a job offer. 
• Develop strong communication and negotiation skills. 
• Seek employers that offer career development and clear promotion pathways. 

Taking these steps may not eliminate wage disparities, but they can improve long-term earning potential. 

Addressing the issue requires cooperation between employers, policymakers, educational institutions, and young professionals themselves. Creating pathways to meaningful employment, fair wages, and career progression can help ensure that the next generation enters the workforce with confidence rather than financial uncertainty. 

Young workers represent the future of every industry. They bring energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives that help businesses grow and adapt.  

While experience naturally influences earnings, fair compensation should also recognise potential, skills, and the realities of today’s economy. 

Also see: Primary workers’ rights you should know as a woman

Featured image: Pexels

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!