If someone ask me what my salary is I usually say that I have no problem at all sharing what my salary is if I can ask them the same and also agree on keeping it to ourselves.
Wouldn't you be worried that it could affect that friendship?
It's simply a data point. One that could greatly improve your economic circumstances if used correctly.
The other common reaction is that "highly paid jobs are stressful". But my job certainly isn't as stressful as many other jobs, and the pandemic has proven that tech jobs are resilient.
I think it triggers a kind of existential crisis in a few people. I've been a little surprised at how much we get paid over smaller entrepreneurs and consultants too. I had a friend who was very convinced of the ESBI Quadrant until I told him my salary.
If you are standing in front of someone who makes 5x or 10x what you do, or vice-versa, you probably know it. I know a group of doctors/lawyers who each make 100X what I do. Literally, they are like super rich with investments and properties and the like. Under all normal circumstances, we would not meet up at a party, or be hanging out in the same "store" for example.
My point is, normally, people that make that much more or less than you typically do not dwell in your social circles.
None of them would ask me what I make. I would never ask them what they make.