Why is it so taboo in the US to ask someone "How Much Do You Make?"

[Charles]

In the Filipino culture it is almost normal. Filipino TV show hosts ask contestants "what do you do and how much do you make?" You'll hear Filipino family members ask at get togethers "How much do you make?" in front of many other people. With Americans in general it's extremely taboo to ask anyone that question. Assumptions based on the answer of "So what do you do?" but it's a huge no no to ask someone's salary.

[Chachma v'Oz]

Too many people here associate their value as human beings with their jobs. How much one makes is thought to be reflective of how good they are at their jobs. They think that people who don't make much must not be worth much, as people.

I didn't think that way when I was negotiating for compensation. I focused on what was important to me: defined benefit pension plan, health insurance I could carry over into retirement with no premium increase, flexible working hours and ample paid time off to enjoy my life with my family. In return I gave up a high salary.

I knew what my peers were making. Some would brag about it. All a big salary meant to me was big income and payroll taxes and no life outside the office because all their time was spent in the office.

The way I approached it worked out fine for me and mine.

[garyd]

Because it is none of your business how much I make or don't make. Judgin people based on relative salary is as retarded as judging them based on skin color pinus size or breast size.

[4West]

I think our culture is very competitive and we need to have strategies in business. You don't want to seem vulnerable or have issues with people gauging your value, possibly using it against you. Basically it could hurt you and cause others to judge you. You don't want people you work with using it against you if it ever gets back to them.

[Cd.]

I think its because a person's self worth should not be dependent on how much they earn.