In the US wages are usually the pay received by someone who is getting paid on a hourly basis. If, for example, I receive $28.00 per hour I will be paid $28.00 for every hour I work. A salary is different - it is pay for a certain period. I may agree to work for $4,000.00 per month. I wll be paid $4,000.00 whether I work 160 hours, 100 hours, or 200 hours. Professionals are usually give a salary and common workers get a wage.