What is the difference between wages and benefits?

Wages and benefits are two different types of compensation that an employee can receive from their employer. Wage refers to an employee’s hourly or salary rate of pay. This is the amount the employee is paid for each hour they work or for each paycheck they receive. Benefits refer to additional forms of compensation or benefits not related to wage. This can include health insurance, paid vacation or sick time, pension plans, bonuses, and more. Under Mississippi law, employers must pay all wages or salaries due to their employees for the work they perform, including overtime pay where applicable. Employers also must provide at least the minimum benefits specified by state and federal law, such as workers’ compensation, Social Security, and unemployment insurance. The differences between wages and benefits are important for both employers and employees to understand. Employers must ensure they are providing their workers with their full wages and all of the benefits required by law and as agreed to in their employment agreements. Employees must understand what types of compensation their employer is obligated to pay them in order to ensure they are receiving their full due.

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