Table of Contents
Introduction
Understanding salary vocabulary is crucial for English language learners, especially those navigating the world of business English.
This guide will introduce you to essential terms related to pay, salary, and wages, helping you communicate more effectively in a professional setting.
Pay and Salary Vocabulary
As an English learner, discussing salary and pay is crucial, especially if you plan to work in an English-speaking country or a company where English is the primary language.
The following section provides essential salary vocabulary as well as phrases and expressions associated with pay and salary.
Salary-Related Words
Here is a list of words related to pay and salary:
Pay
A wage or salary earned for work.
Salary
A form of periodic payment from an employer to an employee, typically specified in an employment contract.
Wage
Payment that differs from a salary as it is paid based on each job, hour, or other unit, rather than periodically.
Pension
A fixed sum paid regularly to a person, usually following retirement from service.
Back Payment
An overdue payment from an employer to an employee for work done earlier.
Example: The employer paid a back payment to his employee for wages from three months earlier.
Pay Cut
A reduction in the amount of pay an employee receives.
Example: The pay cuts will affect only new employees.
Ask for a Pay Rise
To request an increase in pay.
Pay Rate
The amount of money received per unit time, usually per hour.
Example: In some countries, women’s pay rate is lower than men’s.
Net Pay
The amount of money left after deductions from the gross salary.
Performance-Related Pay
Money paid to someone based on how well they perform at the workplace.
Basic Salary
The amount an employee earns before additional sums, such as overtime payments, are added.
Bonus
An extra sum given as a premium to an employee.
Example: The employee of the week receives a bonus for his excellent work.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
Adjustments to salaries based on changes in a cost-of-living index, typically adjusted annually.
Disability Pension
A pension given to individuals who are permanently or temporarily unable to work due to a disability.
Overtime Pay
The money given for work done beyond normal working hours, usually paid at a higher hourly rate.
Severance Pay
The pay and benefits an employee receives upon leaving a company.
Idioms Related to Pay and Salary
The following idioms are associated with pay and salary:
1. Bring Home the Bacon
- To earn money to support one’s family.
- Example: He works two jobs to bring home the bacon.
2. Bread and Butter
- One’s main source of income.
- Example: Freelance writing is her bread and butter.
3. Pay Through the Nose
- To pay an excessive amount of money.
- Example: They had to pay through the nose for that concert ticket.
4. Foot the Bill
- To pay for something, often a large expense.
- Example: The company will foot the bill for your relocation expenses.
5. On the House
- Free of charge, often provided by a business.
- Example: The drinks are on the house tonight.
Conclusion
Mastering the above salary vocabulary and related idioms is essential for effective communication in the business world. This knowledge not only helps you understand your compensation better but also enables you to discuss pay-related matters with confidence.
Use this guide to enhance your business English and navigate your professional life more effectively.
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