Willing to marry a non/less‑earning wife?

[Ramesh]

Hi, I've been looking for a partner for the past 2 years. I'm a Software Engineer at a FAANG company. I've always preferred a high‑earning wife because I earn a lot myself and these days, with AI causing job insecurity, having a partner who also brings in a good income in big cities gives me confidence and support during tough times.
1. Am I wrong to have this preference?
2. Am I missing out by not considering lower earners (say 5LPA or 10LPA, or professions like teachers or girls doing PhDs) who might be sweet and feminine?
What do you all think?

[Pallavi]

Is having preferences a mistake?
Is thinking about a secure future a mistake?
Both are subjective. If you're still at a good age for marriage, stick to your preferences and stay confident. If you're older, maybe relax the lower‑priority ones.

[Chandni]

If you want more job security, lower‑salary jobs, especially non‑tech roles, tend to be more stable. It's a low‑risk, low‑reward situation.

[Mahima]

I agree with the main point but I disagree with the reason about 'job insecurity because of AI'. A lower earner may not share the same mindset as you. If that matters, earnings can be a useful initial filter and often reflect work ethic.
That said, I'd overlook salary if someone lost their job due to the AI wave and has zero income - that's fair.
Unless you're in your 20s, don't rely on your partner's income for security.

[Ganesh]

In my opinion, there's no right or wrong preference. In the end, it's about what you're willing to compromise on.

[Akshara]

You're not wrong to prefer an equal‑earning partner.

[Tanya]

To be honest, it's fine if you want a partner in a similar pay bracket, but there are other factors to think about.
- Will you share household chores equally?
- How will you handle kids and the dynamics?
- What if, like you mentioned about AI, one of you loses a job?

[Balaji]

I earn 72 LPA and I don't care how much my future partner earns, as long as they're the right person. Money is secondary.

[Samar]

Yes, I think a non‑earning wife doesn't mean a non‑working wife. Many non‑working women contribute a lot at home and with kids. Personally, I don't care about her earnings at all.
You can have a preference and it's not wrong.

[Chetan]

Having a preference isn't wrong, but since you already have a good income (as you said), making such an emotional life decision purely on money may not be wise.
Think about the kind of person you want and the qualities you value. If you want someone kind and emotional, she might not be a high earner. On the other hand, a high‑earning woman may be bold, competitive, and have higher expectations.
Decide what you can and cannot live with.
Choosing a partner is a permanent decision; you can't afford to base it on a single factor.

[Menon]

I used to earn 2 cr per year when I married my girlfriend who was earning 20 LPA. Now she earns 30 LPA and I'm unemployed. Things change, life happens, everything can go wrong. Marry someone you can ride the highs and lows with - especially the lows.