postgresql - What is a simple SQL query to select the ID of a person with the SECOND highest salary -

if had relation: employee(id, salary). simplest sql query select id of person second highest salary.

i know how select highest salary using:

select max(salary) employee salary < (select max(salary) employee); 

but how select id of person, , display id of person second highest salary (without using limit).

i use row_number() or rank(), depending on mean second highest salary:

select e.* (select e.*, rank() on (order salary desc) seqnum       employee e      ) e seqnum = 2; 

if want use query -- , seems way more complicated -- can use subqueries:

select e.* employee e e.salary = (select max(e2.salary)                   employee e2                   e2.salary < (select max(e3.salary)                                      employee e3                                     )                  ); 

it nice see sql has made progress in last 30 years.