system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Pokemon] How significant of a social achievement is it to serve as a gym leader? Does it pay?
gpt
They are one of the most qualified trainers in the land, one step below the Elite Four, and you serve as a pseudo-superhero/special force if threats beyond normal police work are needed (see BW and GSC for an example with a Champion).

They are paid either by the Pokemon league coorporation who oversees the  entirety of Pokemon handling, or the Government.