Why would you ask someone how much money they make? Unless they are hitting you up for a loan, or you are co-signing, or they are close family...
That's like asking a MILF how old she is.
If I'm not mistaken, quite a few people could easily be offended if you ask them point blank how much money they make. It's personal. Even in the workplace employees are usually told NOT to discuss their pay with their co-workers.
That seemed really stupid to me. Maybe I'm taking it out of context, but I can't even picture you asking him that question. I would have expected you to ask the normal shit... well... I can't think of any 'normal' questions for him.
Hey Lee, did it hurt when you got your face tattooed? Hey Lee, do you have Synthol in your arms or is that from site injection? Hey Lee, how tall are you REALLY? Hey Lee, is it true that you don't get off unless it's in her ass? I mean WTF, over?