Salary expectations: how do you answer? after 18 years as a data-entry clerk

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a data-entry clerk. It has been a long 23 weeks. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.

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