Offensive to ask how much someone makes?

Question

I asked two co-workers how much they make. One co-worker told me he makes this much. The other co-worker didn't want to tell me. To me, it's no big deal to tell someone how much I make. Am I wrong? Is it a bad etiquette to ask someone how much they make eventhough I've known him for a while? I need some opinions on this matter. Thanks.

Answer 1

You NEVER ask anyone, especially a coworker, how much s/he makes. It's considered too nosy and just plain poor etiquette to ask as such.

Basically, it's none of your business.

Answer 2

From your answers you should be able to see that yes, it's considered rude and some of the reasons why it isn't a good idea to discuss salaries. In my company I could get fired for discussing my salary and I know that there would be those who would be resentful if they knew how much I make. Still, there are people who keep asking. I usually say, "never enough", "not as much as I'd like to", " a lot less than I did at my last job", or "I don't know---the government gets most of it anyway" or some other vague answer. If I told the whole truth, nothing good would come of it.

It would be a very nice gesture to privately apologize to your co-worker. He/she wouldn't expect it, but it would make them feel better knowing that you now understand why some folks don't talk about such things.

Answer 3

It all depends on the context of the situation and how comfortable you are with the individual. Try being a little less direct. For example you might want to ask: "Do you feel your are adequately compensated in your current position?"

You put yourself in a vulnerable position when you ask and they tell you. What if they make a lot more than you? Would you tell them if they asked you?

If you are working the same job with the same seniority and experience then sharing your rate/salary may give you and your co-worker and advantage if your combined performance creates value for the company.

Answer 4

I think it'd be considered bad form but I wouldn't make too much of a big deal out of it... I'd just say 'enough' and leave it at that, most likely I'd have forgotten all about it five minutes later. I think people should be allowed to *ask* anything, just as long as they never push when someone doesn't answer. When I don't want to answer something, and either say straight-out or give such a generic answer, and they keep fishing, that is very rude.

Answer 5

In my opinion it's nobody's business how much anyone else makes. If you are caught talking about how much you make with other employees at the company I work for, you can get fired. Besides, it can lead to hurt feelings among friends. A girl I used to work with once told me how much she started out making, which was more than I was making and I had been with the company 3 yrs when she started. She had no college, no prior office experience, no computer skills. I don't know whether or not she was telling the truth, but it sure put a damper on our friendship.

Answer 6

Co-workers are not supposed to discuss how much they make. Sometimes it's even company policy not to do so. Personally I would not discuss my pay with my co-workers. There are many issues that can come from that. If I make more than they do, they may start to resent me. And who knows what else. People are strange.

Answer 7

it is no-one's business how much money you make, and it is not your business how much they make. asking is truly rude and inappropriate. it also puts the person you are asking in an uncomfortable position as most people do not want to discuss such personal information.
furthermore it is generally against company policy for anyone to divulge their salary to a co-worker, and in the company i work for you can be fired for asking and/or answering the question.

Answer 8

If you don't care, then don't ask. There's nothing more demoralizing in a business environment that everyone being concerned with how much everyone else makes. Next comes the "why don't you ask THAT GUY to do it - he's making more than me anyway" kind of attitude. Sharing that kind of information can lead to resentment or a feeling of superiority, neither of which makes for a pleasant work environment. Most people view their paychecks as more private than their sex lives, and you're best off to keep it to yourself and let others do the same.

Answer 9

Well there a relationship with your employer where you are paid fairly. So if another gets more money then the assumption is they are worth more. This can be disruptive.

In reality this is not true very often. The wages are related to job markets when someone is hired. The only time you are fairly appraised is usually when you are hired. After this point you may be under or over paid.

Answer 10

It is always a tricky question to ask a man his income as it is to ask a woman her age. Some people might not mind sharing this information with you but I can tell you that most people would not like to answer that question. It is a very personal question and should not be asked in any social situation - unless the person is your childhood buddy - but take care even in that situation.

If you are really interested in finding out how much a job pays, there are always better ways of framing the question. For example, you could ask how much in the ball park does the role of ....... manager with five years of experience pay in the industry.

Answer 11

It is very bad etiquette to ask someone how much they make especially a co-worker.

It is private between employer and employee.....so don't do it again.