Competitive salary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Competitive salary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in job postings or descriptions to indicate that the salary offered is in line with or better than the average for similar positions in the industry. Example: "We are looking for a skilled software developer to join our team, offering a competitive salary and benefits package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Competitive salary offered".

BBC

"Competitive salary" might be problematic because women -- who are less likely to negotiate -- may take it as a signal that they'll have to haggle over their pay.

Huffington Post

Very competitive salary.

The Guardian - Sport

And he wants a competitive salary, pension and bonus.

The New York Times

Bowlsby said coordinators at Stanford made a nationally competitive salary of about $200,000 a year.

The New York Times - Sports

Many jobs are advertised with an "attractive" or "competitive" salary, with no specific figure mentioned.

The Guardian - Money

You have to sell the job for other reasons and you've got to pay that competitive salary".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We can now pay competitive salaries," says Mr Müller-Esterl.

The Economist

"Let's be clear, we're not paying competitive salaries.

The Guardian

In the sciences, this requires first-class facilities, adequate funding, and competitive salaries and benefits.

The New York Times

Professors received competitive salaries, and tuition was just $1,500 per year.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advertising a job, use "Competitive salary" to signal that you offer fair and attractive compensation relative to the market. Ensure your salary range aligns with industry standards to attract qualified candidates.

Common error

Avoid using "Competitive salary" if your pay scale is below industry averages. Transparency builds trust; provide a salary range or specific figure whenever possible to avoid misleading potential employees.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Competitive salary" functions as a pre-modifying adjective clarifying the noun "salary". It is typically used to describe or advertise job opportunities to attract qualified candidates, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Competitive salary" is a frequently used phrase in job advertisements to signal fair and attractive compensation. Ludwig indicates that this term is considered grammatically correct and appears commonly in News & Media and Science contexts. While it serves to attract potential job applicants, transparency in specifying salary ranges is often preferred. The phrase functions as a pre-modifying adjective, contributing to a professional and neutral register. Alternatives such as "attractive compensation" and "market-rate compensation" can be used to convey a similar meaning. It's crucial to align the stated compensation with industry benchmarks to avoid misleading candidates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Competitive remuneration package

Includes salary and benefits together, stressing market competitiveness.

Attractive compensation

Emphasizes the appealing nature of the overall benefits and pay.

Market-rate compensation

Highlights that the salary is aligned with industry standards.

Generous compensation

Highlights the high value of the salary and benefits.

Fair remuneration

Focuses on the justness and appropriateness of the payment.

Equitable pay

Stresses fairness and impartiality in the salary offered.

Appropriate salary

Indicates that the salary is suitable for the position and experience level.

Industry-standard salary

Specifies the alignment with compensation norms within the particular industry.

Desirable benefits package

Shifts the focus from just the salary to the entire set of benefits offered.

Lucrative financial arrangement

Indicates a highly profitable or advantageous compensation structure.

FAQs

What does "Competitive salary" mean in a job description?

In a job description, "Competitive salary" suggests that the employer is offering a salary that is at or above the average for similar positions in the same industry and location. It aims to attract qualified candidates by indicating fair compensation.

What are some alternatives to using "Competitive salary" in a job posting?

Instead of "Competitive salary", you can use alternatives like "attractive compensation", "market-rate compensation", or "fair remuneration" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I determine if a salary is truly "Competitive"?

To determine if a salary is competitive, research industry benchmarks for similar roles in your location. Use online salary calculators, consult with recruiters, and compare the offered salary with data from sites like Glassdoor or Salary.com.

Is it better to list a specific salary range instead of saying "Competitive salary"?

Listing a specific salary range is often preferred because it provides transparency and manages expectations. While "Competitive salary" can attract candidates, a range gives them a clearer idea of the potential compensation and reduces ambiguity.