Someone early in their career recently told me they’re willing to learn and grow, but most “entry-level” roles they see expect 2-3 years of experience at starter pay. How are employers defining fair compensation for early-career talent today?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenbatchelder/2026/01/05/the-entry-level-hiring-crisis-is-getting-worse-in-2026/
I don't envy new grads at all. It's hard to answer your question because at my company, we have completely stopped hiring entry level candidates for over a year. Because the job market is so bad, it is easy for us to find employees who have experience and are willing to work for entry level pay. It's not fair, but how many employers care about fairness?
Rising Star
Thanks for the feedback . Fairness often feels out of reach when profitability is the primary focus at the top, and that’s an everyday reality in many organizations. If entry-level roles aren’t prioritized, how can companies genuinely nurture and sustain talent over time?
There is one thing this job market is : unfair. HR roles (depending on the country you live in) don't pay nearly as much as other roles. Working in HR does not requires any particular degree, people think we don't work, but we do and sometimes more than production (I'm talking about white collars here). So you will often see job ads, requiring 5 years + , demanding exp on a variety of topics and paying below 60K gross. Being a new grad is a rite of passage, If you think you're the only one that has the skills and deserve it, rethink your positioning.
Rising Star
Well said , it definitely feels like a "trial by fire" for new grads right now. However, I’d argue that seeing 5+ years of experience for under $60k isn’t just a tough market; it’s a misalignment of value.
While candidates have to be strategic about their "positioning," we also have to look at how we’re positioning the profession. If we keep normalizing mid-level experience for entry-level pay, how do we expect to keep the next generation of HR talent from leaving the field entirely?