Earnings/ˈɜːrnɪŋz/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Personal Income Refers to the salary or wages an individual receives from employment or services provided. She saves 20% of her earnings each month. Pro Tip 2/3Freelancer's Pay For independent workers, 'earnings' often fluctuates, unlike a regular salary. His earnings as a freelancer depend on the projects he completes. Pro Tip 3/3Variable Amount Earnings can vary widely depending on the job, hours worked, and skill level. Last month's earnings were lower due to fewer work hours.