Piecework (also called piece-rate pay) is a pay method where an employee’s earnings are determined by output—they are paid a set amount per unit produced or completed, rather than by hours worked or a fixed salary. This aligns directly with option C. A time-based hourly/daily wage (option A) is a different earnings method, and a fixed pay-per-period arrangement (option B) describes salary. Therefore, “all of the above” is incorrect because these are three distinct compensation structures.

In payroll calculations, piecework earnings are typically calculated as: piece rate × number of units produced in the pay period. Employers still have to ensure compliance with employment standards, such as minimum wage and overtime rules, even where piecework is used. A Canadian payroll educational reference defines piecework as payment for each unit produced “regardless of the amount of time taken.”