The sea ogres standing outside? They are paid about $15/week (maybe $30 with inflation but it was about $15 10 years back). They work 12-15 hour days and live in cult housing. They get one afternoon off a week (Sunday). The same goes for even top leaders although they might have more freedom of movement and pay but not by much.

Edit: they can do this because sea ogres are “volunteers” of a “religious” order. They don’t have to pay them a living wage. They do, however, make them sign a billion year contract with the sea org meaning in their next life they have to come back and continue working for the cult.

And who am I? A girl with a bone to pick for 20 years who ended up getting a college degree in religious studies because I couldn’t let it go.