A frustrated applicant named Kate Hindman recently took to TikTok to share her frustration with the lack of livable wages being offered by companies across the nation. She came across a job posting on LinkedIn for an assistant HR role at the WME Agency, one of the top entertainment companies in the country. Hindman, who had previous experience in a similar role, argued that the pay range being advertised for the position was offensive and severely underpays whoever is accepted for the role. She compared the advertised salary to what she earned in a similar position at Morphe, a cosmetics company, and was shocked at the vast difference in pay.
Hindman pointed out that the responsibilities of the HR assistant role included managing new hire job changes, working closely with payroll and finance teams, assisting with projects, and other duties within the scope of the role. The job was located in Beverly Hills, California, and had a starting pay of $15.96/hr, with the possibility of increasing to $18/hr. Hindman highlighted that this wage was well below the upcoming California minimum wage of $20/hr and even lower than what employees at places like Target and Trader Joe’s were making. She reported the job listing as harassment on LinkedIn and criticized Los Angeles-based entertainment companies for exploiting young professionals who are eager to be a part of the industry and are willing to accept below minimum wages.
Hindman argued that the high cost of living in Los Angeles, along with companies paying subpar wages, made it difficult for people to afford basic necessities without working multiple jobs or having side hustles. She mentioned that in cities like New York City and San Francisco, employees were being paid more than in Los Angeles, suggesting that people in those areas care more about fair compensation. Hindman noted that the expectation in Los Angeles is for individuals to work multiple jobs and have investments to afford a comfortable lifestyle, which often leads to burnout and financial strain. She criticized the work culture in Los Angeles for prioritizing overwork and multiple income streams over a sustainable work-life balance.
A report from Deadline in December 2023 highlighted the decline in employment in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles following a strike. Hindman pointed out that companies in smaller cities and states like North Carolina and Washington were paying their employees more than those in Los Angeles, suggesting that the issue of underpayment was unique to certain regions. She concluded that the reluctance of workers in Los Angeles to advocate for fair wages and the fear of speaking up against big-name corporations allowed companies to continue underpaying their employees. Hindman emphasized the need for individuals in Los Angeles to stand up for fair compensation and push back against companies that exploit their employees.