Salthorae
Imperial Mountain Dew Taster
There is a difference between ‘labor’ and ‘skilled labor’.
Someone who graduates from high school, can ‘labor’.
Someone who graduates from college, can do ‘skilled labor’.
Level 1 is ‘labor’.
Level 5 is ‘skilled labor’.
Level 1 is still learning, still a student. At apprentice level.
In the world of 5e game system mechanics, a 1st level character can earn wages equivalent to a skilled laborer so long as they are “in the guild” so to speak. A modest one otherwise
phb said:Practicing a Profession
You can work between adventures, allowing you to maintain a modest lifestyle without having to pay 1 gp per day (see chapter 5 for more information on lifestyle expenses). This benefit lasts as long you continue to practice your profession.
If you are a member of an organization that can provide gainful employment, such as a temple or a thieves' guild, you earn enough to support a comfortable lifestyle instead.