What term refers to the amount paid to an employee for every hour worked?

The term that refers to the amount paid to an employee for every hour worked is "wage." Wages are typically calculated based on the number of hours worked multiplied by the hourly rate. This structure is common for employees who work part-time, hourly jobs, or non-exempt positions under labor laws. Unlike a salary, which is generally a fixed amount paid annually regardless of hours worked, wages fluctuate based on actual hours worked.

Compensation is a broader term that encompasses all forms of remuneration provided to an employee, including bonuses, benefits, and wages, but it does not specifically imply payment per hour. The term "hourly rate" describes the specific amount paid for each hour of work, but it does not represent the overall payment received for work performed as wages do. Salary is a distinct form of payment typically associated with fixed annual compensation regardless of hours, which further differentiates it from the concept of wages. Therefore, "wage" is the precise term that captures the idea of payment based on every hour worked.