:D I have a friend who swears he makes 250K. How do I find out how much he really makes?

What does he do?

He's a Wireless/Mobility Specialist at Countrywide

Sounds like he could be telling you the truth.
CWNA certification have an average salary of $70120 USD. -- AOL Search results for "Wireless/Mobility Specialist pay average" (http://search.aol.com/aol/search?invocationType=tbff50ab&query=Wireless%2FMobility+Specialist+pay+average)

It is a possible, how long have they been there? Look at the house they live in, the car they drive, does not always show, but often good guideline

That's the thing. He drives a Honda Civic. No CD player, tape deck.

Maybe he is saving for a rainy day.

1. Why's it important what he makes...

2. Does he actually go around telling people this is what he makes, or did someone ask him?

It seems like a possibility, but it's unlikely to make 250k if the avg pay is 70k. Maybe 150k is more viable, and that's if he's been at the company for a while and has actually been promoted.

And what college degree does he have, what certifications does he have and so on.

And call him on it, ask him to show you a pay check or shut up.

The more I think about it, the more I'm going to go with... "not likely"... if he makes 250k a year by being a mobility specialist, then I'm in the wrong business.

I know that telecommunication people do make a good bit of money.
I heard they make more than many doctors and lawyers.

... I'm rethinking my career outlook.

All I can say is Countrywide is nuts.