Negotiating pay when I have been out of work, welding apprentice here

I have been out of work for 24 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I looked up ranges in Jacksonville and they vary a lot. How do you research fairly?

Benefits matter too. A slightly lower rate with better coverage was better for me.

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