earn a salary
/ɜːrn ə ˈsæləri/
Meaning
This phrase means to receive a fixed regular payment, typically paid monthly or bi-weekly, in exchange for doing your job. Unlike hourly wages, a 'salary' is usually an agreed annual amount for professional or office work.
Examples
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Most employees in this department earn a salary rather than an hourly wage.
Most employees in this department earn a salary rather than an hourly wage.
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She wants to find a job where she can earn a salary that covers her living expenses.
She wants to find a job where she can earn a salary that covers her living expenses.
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After the promotion, he will earn a salary of eighty thousand dollars a year.
After the promotion, he will earn a salary of eighty thousand dollars a year.
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It is difficult to buy a house in this city even if you earn a good salary.
It is difficult to buy a house in this city even if you earn a good salary.
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Teachers deserve to earn a salary that reflects their hard work and dedication.
Teachers deserve to earn a salary that reflects their hard work and dedication.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He wins a high salary at his new job.
✓ He earns a high salary at his new job.
You do not 'win' money from work (unless it's a lottery or game); you 'earn' it through labor.
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✗ I want to gain a salary of $50,000.
✓ I want to earn a salary of $50,000.
While 'gain' means to acquire, the standard business collocation for regular income is 'earn a salary'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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As a senior developer, she expects to ___ that matches her experience.
💡 Receive regular professional pay.
Show answer
earn a salary
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Do you prefer to get paid by the hour or ___?
💡 Get a fixed monthly or yearly income.
Show answer
earn a salary