What does salary mean?
A salary is a fixed amount of money paid regularly to someone for work, services, or a professional position. In everyday English, the word often suggests an annual or monthly payment for a relatively stable job, though the amount itself may be discussed monthly or annually. Salary is commonly contrasted with wages: a salary is usually associated with an occupation or position, while wages are often linked to hours worked or completed tasks. In broader figurative use, “salary” can mean any dependable income, as in a description of a career that provides a comfortable salary. The word has an unusual history. It comes from Latin salarium, a term associated with salt, because salt was once valuable enough to serve as money or payment in ancient Rome.
A fixed amount of money paid regularly, typically as an annual or monthly payment, for a job or professional position.
"The hospital advertised the role with a salary above the regional average."
Often used for professional, managerial, or salaried employment, but it can apply broadly to regular payment for work.
Rarely, to pay someone a salary.
"The position was salaried and included an annual performance bonus."
The verb form is uncommon in contemporary English and is chiefly literary or formal.
The standard plural is “salaries,” with the final y changing to i before -es.
"The two firms offered salaries that differed by several thousand pounds."
The word “salary” comes from the Latin salarium, which literally referred to salt, because salt was once used as a form of payment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of salary
The English word comes from Latin salarium, a noun meaning “salt allowance” or payment connected with salt. It was formed from sal, meaning “salt,” and the suffix -arium, associated with payment or allowance. The expression reflects the Roman practice of using salt, especially valued salt, as a means of payment before coinage was widespread. Modern usage developed from the general sense of payment made for services or work into its familiar association with regular professional income.
Related word forms
How salary is actually used
In modern British and American English, “salary” generally suggests regular payment for a job or professional position. It is often contrasted with “wages,” which more strongly suggests payment for hours or units of work. “Salary” is also used figuratively for a regular income or source of revenue.
Easily confused with salary
A salary is usually a regular payment for a position or occupation, whereas a wage is commonly payment calculated by the hour, day, or piece of work.