Salary expectations: how do you answer?, dental hygienist here

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a dental hygienist. It has been a long 5 weeks. I also do not want to sell myself short. What did you say?

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

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