What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wage
Example
The minimum wage in this state is $15 per hour. [wage: noun]
Example
She earns a good wage working at the factory. [wage: adjective]
pay
Example
I need to pay the rent by the end of the month. [pay: verb]
Example
He receives a good pay package from his employer. [pay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pay is more commonly used than wage in everyday language. Pay is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while wage is more specific and limited to certain types of jobs.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wage and pay?
Both wage and pay can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pay is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
