Salient characteristics refer to the essential qualities or features of an item that are necessary to ensure that the intended use of the item can be satisfactorily achieved. These characteristics can be demographic or other relevant characteristics of a small employer, as determined by a small employer carrier, which are considered by the insurer in the determination of premium rates for the small employer. Salient characteristics can also refer to the specific characteristics of a brand name item that the VA needs.

In general, salient characteristics are the most important and distinguishing features of an object or concept. For example, the salient characteristics of a painting might include its use of color, brushstrokes, and subject matter. In teaching, it is important to choose consistent characteristics of objects when describing their salient characteristics to children. In the context of press brakes, salient characteristics might include features that set one press brake apart from another, such as its accuracy, speed, and ease of use.