Don't let the recruiter hang up on that first phone screen without satisfying yourself that they could make a competitive offer. Otherwise, you're just wasting time. They should have the same desire, hence this is only an issue with bad HR departments.

It's not worth it to jump to salary immediately. You come off as either selfish or naive.

So yes, I've done it. You get to the end of that call, and you realize you haven't talked compensation. So you tie in with interest and next steps: "Sounds like I could be a great fit for this position, and I look forward to talking further with the team to confirm that. I do want to make sure we're on the same page in terms of compensation..." Then you go from there.

Or, if framed appropriately, expensive and valuable.

Your time is money. You do not want to waste it on a role that has compensatory packages beneath what you'd be willing to take. You are a professional doing another professional a favor.

Framing this correctly is a bit more nuanced, however.

If you're talking to an external recruiting or staffing agency, however: immediately jump to salary. They will not hesitate and have no opinion on you as a candidate. You're saving their time and they're not emotionally staked in the possible negotiations to come.