What term describes a direct payment made to an employee for services rendered?

The term that describes a direct payment made to an employee for services rendered is salary. A salary is a fixed regular payment, typically paid on a monthly or biweekly basis, that compensates an employee for their work and is often agreed upon in an employment contract. It is a primary form of compensation for employees who are not working on an hourly basis, providing a sense of financial stability and predictability for employees.

Other terms like reimbursement refer to repayment for expenses incurred, such as travel costs. Commission is a form of compensation often linked to sales performance, where an employee earns a percentage of the sales they generate. A bonus is a one-time payment awarded for exceptional performance or as an incentive, rather than a standard part of regular compensation.