handsome salary

USAGE SUMMARY

'handsome salary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a salary which is higher than what is usually earned for a particular job, or when referring to a salary which is higher than expected. For example, "She was offered a handsome salary package to join their team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

As treasurer of the wealthy Abbey of Saint-Martin at Tours, he received a handsome salary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She had a handsome salary and the prospect of better to come.

The New York Times

He stayed put, earning a handsome salary but also absorbing the flak.

The Guardian - Sport

It offered handsome salary packages and plush offices, with an on-site barber and gym.

The Guardian

Still, he scooped a handsome salary, adding to his estimated £225m fortune.

The Guardian - Business

It is a handsome salary for workers with no more than a high school diploma.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The bosses of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, America's limping mortgage giants, continue to draw handsome salaries.

The Economist

We are paying them handsome salaries of 100,000 rupees (about $1960) a month.

The New York Times

The town was once closed to outsiders, with workers getting handsome salaries to perform dangerous work.

The Guardian

"They're paid very handsome salaries and given lots of incentives to achieve.

The New York Times - Tech

Regional newspapers are not known for handsome salaries, but the Tindle group intrigues rather than exercises the National Union of Journalists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "handsome salary" when you want to convey not just a high amount, but also a sense of desirability or attractiveness in the compensation.

Common error

Avoid using "handsome salary" in very informal settings, as it can sound slightly old-fashioned. Opt for simpler terms like "good pay" or "great salary" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "handsome salary" is that of a noun phrase, where the adjective "handsome" modifies the noun "salary". It's used to describe the quality of the salary, indicating it is substantial and desirable. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "handsome salary" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a generous and desirable income. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and often found in news, media, and encyclopedia contexts. While it conveys a sense of attractiveness in compensation, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in very informal settings. Related phrases like "generous salary" or "substantial income" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and audience, maintaining clarity and avoiding potential register mismatches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generous salary

Emphasizes the abundance and favorable nature of the salary.

substantial income

Focuses on the significant amount of money earned.

lucrative compensation

Highlights the profitability and reward associated with the payment.

attractive remuneration

Stresses the appealing and desirable quality of the pay.

excellent earnings

Underscores the superior quality and high level of income.

comfortable wage

Implies that the salary is sufficient to provide a good standard of living.

premium pay

Suggests the salary is above the standard rate.

good compensation package

Refers to a combination of salary and benefits that is considered valuable.

high remuneration

Simply indicates the payment is higher than average.

decent earnings

Presents the income as respectable and satisfactory.

FAQs

What does "handsome salary" mean?

A "handsome salary" refers to a salary that is considerably high or generous, suggesting that the compensation is quite attractive.

What can I say instead of "handsome salary"?

You can use alternatives like "generous salary", "substantial income", or "lucrative compensation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "handsome salary" a formal or informal phrase?

While "handsome salary" is generally acceptable in professional contexts, it leans towards a slightly more formal or traditional tone. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Which is correct, "handsome salary" or "handsomely salary"?

"Handsome salary" is the correct form. "Handsome" is an adjective modifying the noun "salary". "Handsomely" is an adverb and wouldn't be used in this context.