Do VCs expect 20-something founders to take extremely low salaries?

A friend of mine just received about $500,000 in funding. When we spoke recently, she mentioned to me that her salary was low -- around $45,000 year (keep in mind she lives in an expensive city). I know she used to make at least 3x that as a programmer, so I’m impressed she’s taking this the way she is. I didn’t want to say anything to her, but part of me felt she was being steamrolled by this VC in terms of salary, mostly because of her age (24). If you’re under 30, do VCs expect you to continue the Ramen diet until you reach 30?