I don't see a problem with asking what the general pay and benefits are. I think first though, I would give the employer time to bring that up in the interview process first. If by the end of the interview, this was not mentioned, you can say something like "Would you please give me a general idea of what the pay rate is and the benefits of this position?" If done at the end of the interview, you have shown your interest by going through the whole of the interview and it is not the first thing on your agenda
Hope that makes sense LOL.
Wishing you much luck in your job search.

sabby