Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - first time posting

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a welding apprentice. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

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