Is it RUDE to ask someone how much money they make?

Question

Just to make conversation, is it ok to ask how much someone makes, even if it's not the same job you're doing?

Answer 1

That would normally be considered pretty rude, especially if you are just meeting someone. In some places it is considered rude to even ask what a person's job is if you do not know them very well.

Answer 2

My husband and I actually discussed that same question last night. He thinks it's abominably rude to ask how much someone makes, no matter who you're asking. I think it's okay, if you're talking to a family member or very close friend, and it's just part of the conversation.

I asked my sister how much she makes, and she didn't mind at all, she just told me.

I would never reveal how much someone makes to a third party, though - that would be gossip and extremely rude.

So I suppose it depends on the situation. If I felt I had to ask, I would say "You can just say you don't want to tell me if this question makes you uncomfortable..."

Answer 3

It is completely rude to ask someone how much they're making, even if you're just making conversation. Talk about anything else: the weather, their shoes, the Yankees, the color orange -- ANYTHING.

It's just one of those topics that will make people very uncomfortable, and really isn't anyone's business. If someone, even for the sake of conversation, were to ask me such a question, my response would be "enough." And that's it.

Answer 4

If you are considering taking up a career in the same field as them and trying to gather information it might be OK if you first ask them if it would offend them. Otherwise , it is a verrrrry rude thing, to question someones personal financial business. If you just want conversation try asking things, such as , how do you like your job.

Answer 5

In general yes. If you are interested in how much a particular profession pays then a polite way to ask would be, "About how much do bank tellers start off at?" Just using bank tellers as an example, but you get the picture! Also there are various internet sources where you can get salary information.

Answer 6

It is considered rude, but I'm not really sure why. Asking someone who they're voting for is also rude. WHY???

If someone asked me how much money I made, I'd probably tell them, depending upon who it is.

A coworker of mine has been dropping HEAVY hints since I started my job six months ago, trying to find out how much I earn. I'll never tell her. She's asking because she feels she's being underpaid (which she probably is) and I know I'd hurt her feelings.

Answer 7

not really rude to ask but often people act like it is .BY the way $35.00 an hour for trim $30.00 for drywall finishing and painting $75-300. for exterior doors .$60.00 to hang a ceiling fan and $100-250 to install the wire and switch if none exists. $1800.LABOR for the average deck includes steps up to 4 and hand rails . IT all depends on what i am doing .JACK of all trades and master of none .plumbing gets a little pricy some times and bath room and kitchen remodels run between $3000-8000 labor for most .IT does not bother me at all to tell people what i charge and attorneys and government workers pay a10% premium AND a drinking buddy gets it for beer and a hot meal and and he owes me one favor .
WELL i hope this helps you a little in your quest for knowledge of others personel matters .
I am not shy at all as you can tell .

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

It depends on the person you ask and possibly how well you know them. A good way to ask might be: What is the typical salary for X type of work?

Answer 10

It depends on how well you know the person. I do not think you should ask someone you do not know well. No this would not be a very good conversation starter.