salary
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for salary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fixed regular payment, usually calculated yearly or monthly rather than by the hour, paid to an employee.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use salary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin salarium, "wages," from salarius, "related to salt" — possibly because it originally covered money for buying salt, though the exact history is debated.
Full origin of salary →Frequently asked questions
What does “salary” mean?
The word “salary” means a fixed regular payment, usually calculated yearly or monthly rather than by the hour, paid to an employee. In plain terms, regular fixed pay for a job, as opposed to being paid by the hour.
How do you pronounce “salary”?
“Salary” is pronounced SA-luh-ree (/ˈsæləɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “salary” in a sentence?
Here is “salary” used in a sentence: “He negotiated a higher salary before accepting the offer.”
What part of speech is “salary”?
“Salary” is a noun.
Where does the word “salary” come from?
The word “salary” comes from Latin. From Latin salarium, "wages," from salarius, "related to salt" — possibly because it originally covered money for buying salt, though the exact history is debated.
Is “salary” a common word?
“Salary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a 'salary' and a 'wage'?
A salary is a fixed regular payment, usually expressed as a yearly or monthly figure, paid to an employee regardless of exact hours worked. A wage is typically calculated and paid by the hour or by output, so it can vary from one pay period to the next.
What is the difference between 'salary' and 'income'?
A salary is the fixed payment an employer gives you for your job. Income is broader and covers all money you receive, which may include salary plus other sources such as bonuses, interest, rent, or investments.
What verbs are commonly used with 'salary'?
People usually 'earn', 'draw', or 'receive' a salary, and employers 'pay' or 'offer' one. When discussing a job offer, people often 'negotiate' a salary or ask for a salary 'increase' or 'raise'.
What is the difference between a 'salary' and a 'stipend'?
A salary is regular payment for employment and is generally meant to cover a person's living and work. A stipend is usually a smaller fixed sum given to support someone during training, study, or an internship, and is not always treated as full pay for a job.