Pounds get paid to master (5)
I believe the answer is:
learn
'master' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'pounds get paid' is the wordplay.
'pounds' becomes 'L' (abbreviation e.g. Lsd - pounds, shillings, pence).
'get paid' becomes 'earn' (I've seen this in another clue).
'l'+'earn'='LEARN'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for learn that I've seen before include "Commit to memory" , "Read up on" , "Study or digest" , "Comprehend" , "Acquire knowledge or skill" .)