Same scenario in the US as in New Zealand. A salary is paid for the job, regardless of the hours worked, and would be quoted per year. It is generally for higher level positions such as management. A wage is paid to those who earn per hour worked. A paycheck is the income you receive per pay period, for example, you are paid fortnightly on a Wednesday the payment would be the paycheck. In New Zealand we don't really use this word. You may also know of 'pay slip' which these days usually comes by email and details the pay period, hours worked, amount per hour, gross total, taxes deducted, net total, holidays owing, sick leave owing, etc. I can't tell you what's on a salary payslip though as I've never had one of those hehehe!