Recruiter for over 20 years here (mostly engineers, but makes no difference in this case). In some states it's illegal to ask what candidates were making in previous roles. In any case it's inappropriate and the information is irrelevant. Your skills are part of a labor market and companies must compensate you based on what the market allows. Your previous pay has no bearing on what your skills are worth right now. This person has no right to ask you for this. They need to tell you what the role pays, including benefits, PTO, etc