minimal salary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal salary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the lowest amount of compensation that is acceptable for a job or position. Example: "The company has set a minimal salary for entry-level positions to ensure fair compensation for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But insecurity reduces the appetite for risk, so many are staying put, receiving minimal salary increases.

The Guardian

Buford agreed to an internship, but told him there would be a minimal salary.

The New York Times - Sports

"When you sign on to do indie films, minimal salary to no salary is a given.

The New York Times

The University is awarding minimal salary increases, and some construction projects have been delayed or put on hold.

Princeton University

Because they managed things in the field, they were in a position to accept countless bribes, which complemented their minimal salary.

Britannica

Clint Eastwood, who produces his own films, takes a minimal salary and thus shares the risk with Warner Brothers, which finances and distributes his pictures.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They are being paid minimal salaries, happy for the experience.

The New York Times - Arts

Michigan paid minimal salaries, and most teachers amplified their incomes by plodding to summer school.

The New Yorker

In the poorest corner of one of the poorest Arab countries, local officials earn minimal salaries.

The Economist

We have always tried to have public schools on the cheap by paying minimal salaries, so it is no surprise that we now see a shortage of principals.

The New York Times

In nearly every case, he discovered, these schools, though they relied largely on unqualified teachers receiving minimal salaries, outperformed the state schools.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing compensation packages, clarify what "minimal salary" includes, such as benefits, bonuses, or stock options, to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating a "minimal salary" with exploitation or unfair treatment. Sometimes, individuals accept lower pay for experience, passion projects, or benefits beyond monetary compensation. Frame discussions objectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal salary" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "minimal" modifies the noun "salary". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, denoting a small or basic level of compensation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimal salary" is a grammatically sound phrase referring to a basic level of compensation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's prevalent in discussions across news, academia, and scientific domains, often highlighting economic factors or job-related issues. While "minimum salary" is a close synonym, alternatives like "low salary" or "basic salary" offer slightly different shades of meaning. When using the phrase, remember to clarify what's included in the compensation package and avoid automatically associating it with unfair treatment. Always aim for objective framing in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum salary

This alternative directly replaces "minimal" with "minimum", indicating the lowest permissible or acceptable salary.

low salary

This alternative uses a more general term, "low", to describe the salary amount, lacking the precision of "minimal".

small salary

Similar to "low salary", this alternative uses "small" to denote the salary amount, but it can sometimes imply insignificance.

basic salary

This suggests a salary that covers essential needs, slightly shifting the focus from the amount to its purpose.

modest salary

This term implies a salary that is not extravagant, focusing on its simplicity and lack of excess.

meager salary

This alternative denotes a deficient or inadequate salary, emphasizing its insufficiency.

subsistence wage

This phrase highlights that the salary is only enough to maintain a basic standard of living.

nominal salary

This term indicates a salary that is very small or merely symbolic.

starting salary

This refers to the initial salary offered to a new employee, emphasizing its role as a beginning point.

entry-level salary

This specifically denotes the salary for entry-level positions, focusing on the career stage.

FAQs

What does "minimal salary" mean?

The term "minimal salary" refers to the lowest amount of compensation deemed acceptable or legally permissible for a particular job or position. It often implies a basic or entry-level wage.

What can I say instead of "minimal salary"?

You can use alternatives like "minimum salary", "low salary", or "basic salary" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to offer a "minimal salary"?

Offering a "minimal salary" is acceptable if it complies with legal minimum wage requirements and is justified by factors such as the employee's experience level, job responsibilities, and the overall compensation package (including benefits and other perks).

How does "minimal salary" compare to "minimum wage"?

"Minimal salary" is a broader term that can refer to any low salary, while "minimum wage" specifically refers to the legally mandated minimum hourly rate employers must pay their employees.