What does “OTE” mean?
On-target earnings: the total expected pay if specified performance targets are met, often including commission.
“The target has a salary. Let us check yours.” — Arthur
What it means in practice
On-target earnings generally combines basic pay with the commission or bonus expected if targets are met. It is not the same as guaranteed salary, and an attractive headline figure does not explain the scheme.
An example and a clearer version
Salary is £30,000 OTE.
Ask how much is guaranteed basic pay and what targets earn the rest.
What to say instead
pay if the stated targets are met.
How to make the next step clear
Ask for the basic salary, how targets are set and the conditions for commission. Ask what proportion of people in comparable roles reached the stated OTE, and over what period.
Wording you can adapt
The wording around a phrase matters. Keep the names, dates, amounts and conditions from the original when you rewrite it.
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