How to Say "wage" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “wage” is “salario” — use 'salario' when referring to the actual payment you receive for your work, typically expressed as an amount earned per hour, week, or month.
salario
sah-LAH-ree-ohsaˈla.rjo
Examples
Mi salario me permite ahorrar un poco cada mes.
My salary allows me to save a little every month.
El gobierno subió el salario mínimo nacional.
The government raised the national minimum wage.
¿Cuál es el salario promedio en este sector?
What is the average salary in this sector?
It's Masculine!
Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' with this word: 'el salario' (the salary), even though it ends in '-a'.
Salario vs. Sueldo
Mistake: “Using 'sueldo' when referring to the legal/official minimum wage.”
Correction: 'Salario' is often preferred in official or legal contexts, especially when talking about the 'salario mínimo' (minimum wage). 'Sueldo' is more common for general monthly pay.
salarial
sah-lah-RYAHLsalaˈɾjal
Examples
He recibido un aumento salarial este mes.
I received a wage increase this month.
La brecha salarial es un problema global.
The wage gap is a global problem.
El sindicato negocia una nueva escala salarial.
The union is negotiating a new pay scale.
One Form Fits All
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, this word doesn't change for gender. It stays 'salarial' whether you are describing a masculine word like 'el aumento' or a feminine word like 'la brecha'.
Placement is Key
In Spanish, this word almost always follows the noun it is describing. While English says 'salary increase,' Spanish says 'increase salary-related' (aumento salarial).
Confusing Things with People
Mistake: “Soy un salarial.”
Correction: Soy un asalariado.
Noun vs. Adjective Confusion
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.