Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 15 years as a pharmacy technician

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a pharmacy technician. I am in Fresno, in case local advice matters. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.