Income vs Wages
Summary
Income and wages are related but not identical concepts. Wages refer specifically to remuneration received for work performed under an employment relationship, while income is a broader concept.
Main explanation
What are wages
- paid by employer to employee
- defined by contract and labour law
- form core employment income
What is income
- may include wages
- defined by tax law
- basis for taxation
Relationship between income and wages
- wages are part of income
- income includes other types
Use in taxation
- tax assessed on income
- contributions linked to wages
- classification matters
Differences across countries
- wage definitions
- income inclusion rules
- non‑wage treatment
What this page does not cover
- tax rules
- income classifications
- status determination
- planning
- reporting
References