Salary expectations: how do you answer?

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a graphic designer. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I do not want to price myself out.

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

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