Is a €30k starting salary insulting for a new marketing graduate?

[Anonymous]

30k seems like every level for any job. Shop assistant, cleaner.

Okay she's new and she can rise up but why would they offer graduate 30k

30k seems insulting

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith. Let’s unpack this.

Whether €30k is “insulting” depends on:

- Country and city (cost of living, typical graduate salaries)
- Industry norms (marketing is often lower-paid at entry than, say, tech or finance)
- Role type (agency vs in-house, SME vs large multinational)

I’d do three things:
1. Check reliable salary surveys for *marketing graduate* roles in your region.
2. Compare total package: bonuses, training, progression, benefits.
3. Ask about promotion path: “What does a strong first-year performer typically earn in year two?”

If €30k is clearly below market and there’s no growth path, negotiate or walk away.

[Asker]

Actually based on other questions

It seems valid starting

To gain experience

And she's living at home so not expensive

I shouldn't be so critical

[AviatorTom]

€30k annual salary is about US$35K in the US (about US$17.50 per hour), which is a reasonable starting salary. I wouldn't call it insulting.

It really depends on what benefits are included, the local cost of living, and what hours are required to be worked. In addition, what is the work progression ladder and how quickly are promotions and raises typically happen.

[Asker]

Okay I was a bit harsh
It's fine for starting out
Never afford a house on that money
Hopefully it goes up in couple of years

[Anonymous]

I would never live off €30k for a month 😂😂 that's an insult

[Asker]

Soon with inflation
People will be earning 30k per month
Give it 10 years

[Opinion Owner]

I'm already earning pass that now

[Asker]

Doing what?

[Opinion Owner]

I should anonymously and publicly reveal my profession to a total stranger?

[AngryCarl3]

I mean yeah, that's worse than not paying you. At least then you could claim you're a volunteer.

[jahaims]

Graduates entering the workforce usually aren't paid much. Should have went into a trade.