Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - what worked for you?

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a machine operator. I also do not want to sell myself short. How do you research fairly?

Check several sources for pay in Tampa, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.

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