How Much Do People Earn?

April 10, 2008 — -- It's a titillating piece of information people often wonder about, but rarely ask for fear of being rude. Just how much money does your boss, your neighbor or your friend earn?

Parade Magazine has compiled the answer to that question for a variety of professions for its annual "What People Earn" issue and as expected, the disparities can be astounding.

"The average American this year made something like $37,000. Celebrities went into the stratosphere," said Parade Magazine editor Janice Kaplan.

In the case of "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay, fantasy bodes better than reality. The actress took home $7 million for playing a detective on television.

But Parade found a real detective in Fayetteville, Ga., who takes home $40,000. It's a stark contrast, but this salary is actually above the national average.

Here is how some other celebrities and everyday people stacked up.