low salary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'low salary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a job or position that pays much less than the average salary for a certain type of job. For example, "This position pays a very low salary, but it does come with some great benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A low salary tends to indicate low-status work (unfortunately).

The Guardian - Opinion

"My father was on a very low salary.

The Guardian - Business

Attracting such teachers on a low salary is difficult.

The New York Times

But with a low salary structure, M.L.S. has room to grow.

The New York Times - Sports

It's often very low salary and there are often no benefits".

The New York Times

And some of them might even learn what a real low salary looks like in the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"There is unemployment, low salaries.

The New York Times

Teachers are on strike because of their low salaries.

The Guardian

"I blame the city for the low salaries.

The New York Times

There are jobs out there, but often at low salaries.

The New York Times

The relatively low salaries make running prisons cheaper, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employment terms, use "low salary" to clearly communicate that the compensation is below average. Pair it with specific figures or comparisons to similar roles to provide context.

Common error

Don't rely solely on the phrase "low salary" to define a job's downsides. Acknowledge other potential benefits or drawbacks like work-life balance, career growth opportunities, or company culture for a balanced view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low salary" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "low" modifies the noun "salary". It describes the characteristic of a salary being below the average or expected amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low salary" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a compensation package that is less than average or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions as a noun phrase, conveying information about job roles, career paths, and economic factors. While neutral in register, its frequent presence in news, science, and business contexts highlights its importance across various domains. When discussing salary, it's crucial to provide context, such as industry standards or cost of living, to ensure clear communication and avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low pay

A more general term indicating reduced earnings.

modest salary

Emphasizes the limited amount of the salary.

small salary

Highlights the diminutive size of the compensation.

meager salary

Suggests the salary is insufficient or barely adequate.

insufficient salary

Directly states that the salary is not enough.

poor salary

Indicates the salary is of low quality or undesirable.

reduced compensation

Focuses on the diminished amount received for work.

depressed wages

Implies wages are lower than expected or fair.

substandard earnings

Indicates the payment received is below established norms.

minimal remuneration

Highlights that payment is barely acceptable.

FAQs

What does "low salary" mean?

"Low salary" describes a situation where the amount of money earned from a job is less than what is typically expected or considered adequate for the work performed. It is often compared to industry standards or cost of living.

How can I address a "low salary" in a job negotiation?

Research industry standards for similar roles and locations. Clearly articulate your skills and experience, and present data supporting your desired salary range. Be prepared to discuss alternative benefits if a higher salary isn't feasible.

What are some alternative phrases for "low salary"?

You can use alternatives such as "modest salary", "small salary", or "insufficient salary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always bad to accept a job with a "low salary"?

Not necessarily. Consider other factors such as growth opportunities, benefits, work-life balance, and the potential for future salary increases. A lower starting salary might be acceptable if the overall package and long-term prospects are appealing.