Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 14 years as a dental hygienist

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a dental hygienist. It has been weighing on me all week. I looked up ranges in Omaha and they vary a lot.

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.

Check several sources for pay in Omaha, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.