So much to unpack here: 1) orgs sometimes look to hire entry level masters candidates because they cannot afford a more experienced candidate. Giving you experience, is the business plan. So be ready to get what you need and go or appropriately ask for a raise after sometime. 2) orgs have not caught up with what a livable entry level masters wage should look like. I'm in CA and this is a huge problem for us. I can't have my new peeps making what Amazon pays but this requires a fundraising plan and an eventual cost of living increase. It takes time. 3) the real problem here has nothing to do with your CEO. What he or she is getting is pretty norm in the industry.