What Is Salary?

Revenue is defined in terms of context — for example, tax purposes, accounting, or economic analysis. For individuals and businesses, income usually means the amount or value they get for their work and products.



People generally consider their income to be equal to the amount of money they earn in the form of income and wages, the return on investment and the sale of real estate, and other receipts. Total income includes total income deducted from expenses incurred to generate income.


Similarly, entities generally treat their entire receipts from the services, products, and any interest and dividends received in respect of their financial accounts and business-related savings as revenue. Business revenue — that is, profit — is determined by deducting the total income from their business expenses.


Economists study revenue in a variety of contexts that use definitions and methods to measure revenue. Whether or not their studies include income, savings, expenditure, productivity, public finance, capital investment, or other related topics, their concept of income will be consistent with the purpose of their research. Although high income levels are important in public and policy studies, individuals are more focused on personal and business finances.