$10/hr where and how do you live in LA (Los Angeles: insurance, college)

[ShadowM8]

Originally Posted by Sir Punk

so I am trying to be realistic. Some entry positions in the game industry pay $10/12/hr in the LA area .... I have a master's degree in computer science ...

Entry level engineering positions in game industry do not pay 12/h. With a masters in CompSci you should be expecting at least 45k - 50k starting salary in LA.

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by ShadowM8

Entry level engineering positions in game industry do not pay 12/h. With a masters in CompSci you should be expecting at least 45k - 50k starting salary in LA.

Testers will make 9-12/hr or so depending on experience

[ShadowM8]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

Testers will make 9-12/hr or so depending on experience

I would not recommend a person with masters in CompSci to take a job as a tester, usualy occupied by highschool kids. Unless you're a QA Engeneer in which case you still should expect the 50k rate.

[katenik]

On $10/hour, you DON'T live in LA!

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by ShadowM8

I would not recommend a person with masters in CompSci to take a job as a tester, usualy occupied by highschool kids. Unless you're a QA Engeneer in which case you still should expect the 50k rate.

in this economy ive seen people do worse.

its a foot in the door, and sometimes that is what you need

[ShadowM8]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

in this economy ive seen people do worse.

its a foot in the door, and sometimes that is what you need

You can certainly do worse

As for the foot in the door it's a bit of a myth. I've yet to meet an engineer or an artist who started as a tester. You've either got the skills to get an entry level gig or you don't. Working as a tester won't change that fact.
That's not to say it never happens, but it's far less common than it useto be.

It's certainly not worth someone moving to L.A. for it. There are plenty of industry hot spots with much more affordable living standards where you can get your foot in the door.

[ProgShred]

There are a lot of suburbs that have low rent housing in certain areas. In Long Beach, you can find a small 1 br, pretty cheap in some areas. Also in Paramount, San Pedro, Whittier, and if you look in OC, maybe Anaheim or Fullerton. I used to get paid peanuts for years when I worked in warehouses. I never lived with anyone or had a roomate. I always found a place for myself. It just took a lot of work to find it.

I always found the cheapest apts in the Long Beach Press Telegram or the Orange County Register.

[Paula Lynn]

Long Beach Press Telegram pretty much has zilch in the rental classified. I would check out Craigslist or the Gazette and Gazettes Town-News > Front. They have a very extensive rental classified.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by ProgShred

There are a lot of suburbs that have low rent housing in certain areas. In Long Beach, you can find a small 1 br, pretty cheap in some areas. Also in Paramount, San Pedro, Whittier, and if you look in OC, maybe Anaheim or Fullerton. I used to get paid peanuts for years when I worked in warehouses. I never lived with anyone or had a roomate. I always found a place for myself. It just took a lot of work to find it.

I always found the cheapest apts in the Long Beach Press Telegram or the Orange County Register.

Good for you, but the OP is planning on re-locating, making $10 an hour. Even with cheap rent, like you are mentioning there is food, gas, some utilities, medical care if needed, and the biggy, transportation. $10 an hour in the L.A area does not cut it..

Nita

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by nmnita

$10 an hour in the L.A area does not cut it...

It does if your address is XXX Freeway, XXX Street overpass. (You pick which XXX.)

It cuts it if you don't mind living with several of your closest friends (or acquaintances, or fellow Craig's List enthusiasts).

It cuts it if you like living in a homeless shelter.

You're right, it doesn't cut it!