To hell with not telling, I've worked my ass off to be where I am, and if anything I hope you guys out there that are working the minimum wage jobs keep your spirit up and get inspired and know that there is better for you out there, if you make the effort. I should know, because I was in your shoes and I've had to work the low paying horrible slavery type jobs, hell since I was a kid.
I think some people are afraid to tell because either they are getting way too little for their position, or they don't want to make others feel bad. Of course employers don't want you to share, especially with others who are doing the same or comparable job as you who might be making more (or less), because nothing creates bitterness/disgruntled employees quicker than pay disparity.
I work as a technology consultant - my specialty is software development with an emphasis on enterprise/business level software installation/deployment development. I.e., I design the installation architecture and mass deployment system for big ass pieces of highly specialized software components, apps, and suites, using dev apps like Installshield, Installwise, etc. for MSI based installs. Pay varies from contract to contract, but generally I make $75-125 per hour at this, on a 1099 (self employed/consultant, thus no taxes taken out from the check - I have to submit an 'estimate' to the IRS every quarter, but in general everything is an expense). All overtime is time and a half. After 12 hours, it's double.
Currently I have a couple months left on a 6 month contract with a (if not the) major security software firm at their Santa Monica location. Pay is in the lower portion of my salary range.
When I am not doing the tech consulting thing, I am running my cigar distribution business, focusing and specializing in servicing the high end retail market in California and beyond - luxury hotels and resorts, high end gift shops, high end clubs, country clubs, casinos, etc. The pay varies based on how much I manage to sell to my clients, however suffice to say I make a decent coin through this venture.
On occasion I do consulting in the film/TV industry handling highly unique atmospheric special effects of the physical variety. Think lightning, sheet lightning, rain, wind, etc. effects. Usually 1 day to 1 week gigs. Pay is usually $250/hr. as a special effectsman/equipment operator plus the equipment rental fee, which is the real bread and butter.