Yes I paid them well straight from the start.
Thay way they are willing to learn, want to learn and take it seriously.
They get equipment a week before they join, get shown what to do and are told to practice, practice, practice!! Works well.
As for what they earn, that is irrelevant. Look at what you are prepared to and can afford to pay someone, work out what you expect back and go from there.
I always have worked on the principle to earn a little off a lot rather than a lot of a little. Has never done me or my company any harm.