They asked my salary range, what should I say? after 11 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. It has been a long 17 weeks. I looked up ranges in St. Louis and they vary a lot. What did you say?

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

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