Salary expectations: how do you answer? after 7 years as a quality inspector

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a quality inspector. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 3 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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