pay one's way

pay one's way  {v. phr.}

1. To pay in cash or labor for your expenses.

He paid his way by acting as a guide.

2. To be profitable; earn as much as you cost someone; be valuable to an employer; to yield a return above expenses.

The bigger truck paid its way from the start.

We had to offer our new manager a large salary, but he was a capable man, and paid his way.

Compare: WORTH ONE'S SALT.