low salary

[loʊ ˈsæl.ər.i]
noun phrasepl: low salaries
salário baixo
1. a wage or fixed regular payment that is insufficient or below average for a particular job, industry, or cost of living
Despite having a degree, he was frustrated with his low salary at the nonprofit organization.
Apesar de ter um diploma, ele estava frustrado com seu salário baixo na organização sem fins lucrativos.
2. compensation that does not adequately reflect an employee's skills, experience, or job responsibilities
The company offered her a low salary, which motivated her to look for better opportunities elsewhere.
A empresa ofereceu a ela um salário baixo, o que a motivou a procurar melhores oportunidades em outro lugar.
In both Brazil and the USA, discussion of low salaries is closely tied to economic inequality and social mobility. In Brazil, this issue is particularly significant given economic disparities and the prevalence of informal employment. In the USA, low salary discussions often center on minimum wage debates and cost of living crises in major cities. The phrase reflects growing concerns about wage stagnation and purchasing power in contemporary economies.
NYC Slang
chump change (when referring to the amount); sweatshop wages
Synonyms / Sinônimos
meager salarymodest salaryinadequate payminimum wagepoverty wagespittance
Antonyms / Antônimos
high salarygenerous salarycompetitive salarylucrative paysix-figure income

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
salário baixo
most common and standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
salário baixo / salário miserável
both terms used, with 'miserável' emphasizing severity
São Paulo
salário baixo / salário insuficiente
more formal business context often uses 'insuficiente'
Portugal
salário baixo / ordenado baixo
Portuguese uses 'ordenado' in addition to 'salário' for salary

Related Words

wage gapcompensationcost of livingjob marketbenefits packageearning potential

Related Idioms & Phrases

earning peanuts
working for slave wages
making minimum wage
not paid what you're worth
survival wage
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