Is it rude to ask someone how much they make?

[Raikas]

I've always been told that money, religion, and sex are the three topics one should never discuss in polite company.

That said, I wish money talk wasn't so taboo. I think it's useful to know what people are making - how else do you know if you're underpaid for your position if you don't know what other people in similar roles are making? And how do you negotiate a salary if you can't talk about the standards?

 

[Combustion Kevin]

It's only rude when you make more than they do.

That wouldn't really work as you would have to ask them to know that in most cases.

What can I say, it's a minefield.

 

[Aramis Night]

The only reason people think find it rude is because employers have ingrained it in us that we shouldn't be talking about how badly they are screwing over their workers. It allows them to underpay employees and hide favoritism/discrimination. It's what enabled C.E.O.'s to go from making 40 times their average employee's salary in the 80's to over 300 times at present. When I hear that someone is only making poverty wages while working reliably full time, that shouldn't reflect shame on that individual, it should reflect shame on that employer. I work for a small business and I make very little money, but at least my employer makes it a point to apologize for being unable to pay me what I'm worth(I see the books so I know its true), and I'm ok with that. But that isn't a negative reflection of shame on me. I make the choice to work their because I like my job, despite the low pay. Employers on the other hand have no right to expect that level of devotion as a default.

 

[mysecondlife]

Its a personal information, so yeah it depends on situation.

Falls in the category along with

"Who did you vote for?"
"What is your sexual orientation?"
"What does your medical history say?"

etc.