Physical work is usually paid by the hour or based on how much work you do. Sometimes, if you work extra hours, you get overtime pay. But generally, physical work pays less than mental work because it doesn't need as much education or special skills. Jobs like construction or factory work fall into this category. They can be tough on the body and sometimes dangerous, so there might be extra pay for those risks.

Mental work usually comes with a salary and benefits like health insurance. The pay is higher because it needs special skills and education. Jobs like engineering or IT are examples. These jobs involve a lot of thinking and decision-making. Sometimes, you can get bonuses if you do a really good job or come up with new ideas.

The line between physical and mental work is getting blurry. Some jobs, like nursing or firefighting, need both physical and mental skills. Technology is changing how we value and pay for work. Remote work and automation are also affecting how people get paid. The gig economy is making things even more complicated, changing how we think about work and payment.