Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 16 years as an accountant

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as an accountant. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.

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