Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Salary"

To sign 'salary,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Take your dominant hand, starting open, and sweep it across the palm of your non-dominant hand toward your body. As you pull your dominant hand back, close it into a fist (an 'S' handshape), as if you are scooping up your earnings and bringing them to yourself.

Examples Using "Salary" in a Sentence

1

What is the starting salary for this job?

To ask this, sign 'salary' by scooping your dominant hand across your flat non-dominant palm, then follow with the signs for 'start' and 'job' while using a questioning facial expression.

2

My salary increases every year.

Begin with the sign for 'my', then use the 'salary' sign. Follow this up with the signs for 'increase' and 'every year' to clearly show your income going up over time.

3

She earns a good salary.

Point to refer to 'she', sign 'good' from your chin, and then perform the 'salary' sign to express that she makes a very comfortable and steady income.

How to Sign "Salary"
To sign 'salary,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Take your dominant hand, starting open, and sweep it across the palm of your non-dominant hand toward your body. As you pull your dominant hand back, close it into a fist (an 'S' handshape), as if you are scooping up your earnings and bringing them to yourself.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'salary' is highly iconic and visually motivated, making it relatively easy for beginners to remember. It directly represents the physical act of gathering or scooping up money, resources, or earnings from a surface and bringing them toward yourself to keep. The closing of the hand into a fist symbolizes securing that income or taking possession of your wages.
Signing Tips
Focus on the scooping motion of your dominant hand to make the sign look natural. The movement should be smooth and deliberate, starting with an open hand and ending in a firm fist (an 'S' shape) as it reaches the edge of your non-dominant hand. Think of it as physically gathering your hard-earned money and bringing it into your possession. Keeping the motion fluid rather than rigid will help your signing flow better in conversation.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is moving both hands during the sign. It is important to keep your non-dominant base hand completely still and flat, acting like a stable table or surface. Only your dominant hand should be moving to perform the scooping action. Additionally, make sure your dominant hand actually makes contact and lightly brushes across the base palm rather than hovering above it.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Salary" in a Sentence
1

What is the starting salary for this job?

To ask this, sign 'salary' by scooping your dominant hand across your flat non-dominant palm, then follow with the signs for 'start' and 'job' while using a questioning facial expression.

2

My salary increases every year.

Begin with the sign for 'my', then use the 'salary' sign. Follow this up with the signs for 'increase' and 'every year' to clearly show your income going up over time.

3

She earns a good salary.

Point to refer to 'she', sign 'good' from your chin, and then perform the 'salary' sign to express that she makes a very comfortable and steady income.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'salary' the same as 'earn'?

Yes, in American Sign Language, the signs for 'salary', 'earn', and 'income' are generally the exact same motion. The specific meaning is understood through the context of your sentence. If you are talking about a job offer, it naturally translates to 'salary'.

Does it matter which hand I use to scoop?

Yes, it does matter! You should always use your dominant hand to do the moving and scooping action. Your non-dominant hand should act as the stationary base. If you are right-handed, your right hand will scoop across your left palm.

Should my dominant hand actually touch my non-dominant hand?

Yes, your dominant hand should lightly brush across the palm of your non-dominant hand as you make the scooping motion. The physical contact emphasizes the idea of scraping or gathering something off a surface.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!