Remuneration (-shn), n.
Etymology: [L. remuneratio: cf. F. rémunération.]
1. The act of remunerating.
2. That which is given to remunerate; an equivalent given, as for services, loss, or sufferings. Shak.
Syn. -- Reward; recompense; compensation; pay; payment; repayment; satisfaction; requital.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for remuneration; he lists it under pay.
Where he writes about it:
Remuneration is applied to matters of great amount or importance. — from pay
Recompense is a still wider and loftier word, with less suggestion of calculation and market value; there are services for which affection and gratitude are the sole and sufficient recompense; earnings, fees, hire, pay, salary, and wages are forms of compensation and may be included in compensation, remuneration, or recompense. — from pay