20 Ways to Dodge from Nosy Coworkers’ Salary Questions (Mum’s the Word!)

We’ve all been there. You’re chatting with a coworker and suddenly they pop the dreaded question: “So, how much do you make?” Your palms start sweating, your heart races, and you feel like a deer in headlights. What do you say? 

According to a recent survey by Jobvite, 1 in 3 workers feel uncomfortable discussing their salary with coworkers. Another study by Bankrate found that 24% of workers say they’ve shared their salary information with coworkers.

So while talking about pay is becoming more common, it’s still a sensitive subject that requires tact to navigate. Here are 20 ways to respond when a coworker inquires about your compensation:

Ways to Respond When a Coworker Asks About Your Salary

1. Deflect with humor

Inject some levity into the conversation with a witty one-liner:

• “Well, let’s just say I’m not buying a yacht anytime soon!” 
• “Enough to keep me in ramen noodles and Netflix.”

A little self-deprecating humor can lighten the mood and move the discussion in a different direction.

2. Be direct but firm

If you’re not comfortable sharing, say so politely but unequivocally:  

• “I prefer to keep my salary private. I hope you can understand.”
• “That’s personal information that I don’t discuss with anyone.”

Delivered in a friendly but resolute tone, most reasonable people will respect your boundaries.

3. Redirect the conversation  

Smoothly segue to a related but less invasive topic:

• “I don’t really get into specifics, but I am excited about the projects I’m working on.”
• “Pay aside, I’m just focused on doing great work and adding value to the team.”

This shifts the focus to your contributions and aspirations vs. hard numbers.

Also Read: Effective Strategies to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings without Being Rude

4. Volunteer a salary range

If you don’t mind sharing a general range, try: 

• “My role is typically in the $X to $Y range for this industry and area.”

This gives them a ballpark without pinpointing your exact pay. Sites like Glassdoor and Payscale can help you find typical ranges.

5. Point to company policy

Many companies have rules against sharing compensation details. Use that to your advantage:

• “You know, I think discussing individual salaries is actually against company policy.”
• “HR has asked us not to compare pay since it can cause issues.”

Invoking “policy” makes it about the rules, not you.

 6. Ask why they’re asking

Turn the tables and inquire about their motivation:

• “I’m curious, why do you ask? Are you gathering info for your own job search?”
• “That’s an interesting question – is there something specific I can help with?”

How they respond may reveal useful context about their intent and let you tailor your answer.

Also Read: How to Nail the "How Was Your First Day?" Question as a New Employee

7. Suggest asking HR

Rather than speculate, urge them to go to the source:

• “I’m honestly not sure about pay scales. Your best bet is to chat with HR.”
• “If you’re concerned about compensation, I’d bring it up with your manager or HR. They’ll have the most accurate info.”

HR departments are better equipped to field those queries professionally.

Also read: 10 Best Reply to Thank You Email from Boss

8. Be vague

A strategic non-answer can work wonders:

• “Oh you know, a typical amount for this type of role.”
• “About what you’d expect for this industry in this city.”
• “Enough to get by and have a little fun now and then!”

It acknowledges the question without revealing anything juicy.

9. Share an anecdote 

Transition to a funny or insightful compensation story: 

• “Salary talk always reminds me of my first job negotiation…”
• “Pay is tricky. I have a friend who found out she was vastly underpaid…”

Stories are an artful dodge that can spark more fruitful dialogue.

10. Talk about overall benefits

Compensation is more than just salary. Steer the discussion to the big picture:

• “The pay is decent, but I really value the great healthcare and generous PTO.”
• “Money is one factor, but the growth opportunities here are what really excite me.”

This underlines that fulfillment is about the total rewards package.

11. Express discomfort

It’s okay to admit the topic makes you uneasy: 

• “Honestly, talking about salary always feels a bit awkward to me.”
• “I don’t mean to be cagey, but money discussions just make me uncomfortable.”

Delivered tactfully, most people will understand and back off.

12. Mention your research

If you’ve done market analysis, share some high-level insights:

• “Based on my research, my pay seems on par with similar roles.”
• “From what I’ve seen, salaries really vary depending on skills and experience.”

This shows you’re informed without getting into personal details.

13. Bounce it back 

Flip the script and ask about their situation:

• “I don’t really discuss my pay, but I’m curious – do you feel fairly compensated?”
• “Salary aside, are you happy with your role and the company overall?”

Suddenly they’re the one in the hot seat, which may prompt them to rethink the question.

14. Emphasize your worth

Bring it back to the value you deliver:

• “I feel I’m paid fairly based on my skills and the results I achieve.”
• “My focus is on doing exceptional work that drives the business forward.”

Underscoring your impact reinforces why you deserve what you earn.

15. Cite confidentiality

Explain you have a confidentiality agreement about wages:

• “When I was hired, I signed an employment contract agreeing not to discuss my pay.”

While not foolproof, many people will accept this at face value.

16. Talk career path  

If they’re fishing for info to gauge their own trajectory, offer some general advice:

• “Promotions and raises really depend on individual performance over time.”
• “If your goal is to increase your earnings, I’ve found that acquiring in-demand skills helps a lot.”

Providing constructive guidance transforms it into a developmental dialogue.

Also Read: Answering 'Are You Currently Employed?' 13 Replies (Get the Job!)

17. Speak to your budgeting

Without naming numbers, reference how your pay fits your finances:

• “I’ve set a strict budget, and my current salary allows me to meet my goals.”
• “Like everyone, I have bills to pay – and thankfully this job enables me to cover them.”

The subtext is you’re compensated sufficiently for your needs.

18. Mention reviews/raises

Note that salaries are re-evaluated regularly:

• “The company assesses compensation annually to align with market rates.”
• “I just had my performance review and feel good about my pay trajectory.”

This assures them that fairness is an ongoing priority.

19. Discuss pay equality

Steer the chat to the larger issue of pay equity:

• “I haven’t observed unfair pay discrepancies here, which I really value.”
• “Regardless of my personal pay, I hope everyone is being compensated fairly.”

Endorsing equal pay for equal work is a principled way to sidestep specifics. 

20. Acknowledge their concern

If they seem worried they’re underpaid, address that head-on:

• “I sense you’re concerned about your pay. Have you looked at market salary data? That may give a helpful perspective.”
• “If you feel your pay isn’t where it should be, I encourage you to gather some objective data and discuss it with your manager.”

Offering pragmatic advice shows empathy without overstepping boundaries.

Final thoughts

Salary discussions with coworkers can feel like traversing a minefield. But equipped with these 20 tactful response techniques, you can maintain your privacy, assert your boundaries, and potentially even turn it into a meaningful discourse.

Ultimately, compensation is deeply personal. You’re never obligated to disclose details you’re not comfortable sharing. 

Trust your judgment, stay true to your values, and keep the focus on your worth and contributions. How much you make is far less important than the value you bring to your team and organization each day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)