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 an accounts payable clerk. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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