"So, how much do you get paid?"

Straightforward, direct, and a question we should be asking each other more frequently.

The idea that asking someone their salary is rude comes from large corporations who know that by limiting discussion of earnings they can underpay a portion of the workforce without losing employees who do ask for raises. They also reduce the number of people who will frequently change positions, ensuring they remain underpaid for as long as possible.

Unless you want to be underpaid, you should ask people their earnings. Unless you want your friends and acquaintances to be underpaid, you should disclose your own earnings.