[ja27]

How big is the company? I've worked for a number of smaller (less than 300 person) companies and there are always wide deviations in salary. It seems like a third of the people have "special" deals in one way or another.

It won't hurt at this point to be bold. I would be surprised if you could get them up to $70K from $53K so there isn't much to lose.

If they're replacing someone, flat out ask them what the previous person made and why he left. Point out that he might have stayed if they'd paid better. Or ask what other people in similar positions within the company are making. Insist that you should be at the top end of the range.