EnglishClub ESL Forums

I have made up the sentences.

(1a) I have not had a job that has paid at least $5000 a month.
(1b) I have not had a job that paid at least $5000 a month.
(1c) I have not had a job that pays at least $5000 a month.


(2a) I have not seen a job offered by this company that has paid at least $5000 a month.
(2b) I have not seen a job offered by this company that paid at least $5000 a month.
(2c) I have not seen a job offered by this company that pays at least $5000 a month.

Most of my non-native friends think both (1a), (1b) and (2c) are correct. They say that in (1) "pays" does not fit because it is NOT habitual and it has more to do with your earnings history from your first job to your most recent one. In (2), "pays" works the monthly salary of $5000 may be paid regularly to the company's qualified staff members.

I am not sure if they are correct. Please help me. Thank you.

All are structurally possible, with little or no significant difference in real terms.

You could avoid tense-related issues altogether simply by saying 'a job paying...', which is probably what most natives would do here.