Lets look at the second job first. I think it would be fine to call whoever you talked with for the second job and politely ask about the status of your candidacy, adding how excited you are about the prospect of working for them - and see what sort of response you get. If this company were to make you an offer of $50K or more, I'd take it! Let's say, however, that they offer you $50K. You could still politely ask if their offer is negotiable and see what they say. If it's not negotiable, I'd accept the $50K. If it is negotiable and if you're asked what salary you have in mind, I'd counter by proposing a range. I'd say something like, "I was anticipating an offer in the $53K to $55K range," and see what happens. Regarding the first job prospect, if you're offered less than $50K, again, politely ask if the offer is negotiable. Whether you have to bother with the first opportunity or not depends on whether you're still in the running for the job you'd really rather have. If you not still in the running, and the offer made for the first job isn't negotiable, I think you probably should accept it anyway - because it's certainly more than you're earning now! What you could do if the offer isn't negotiable and less than $50K is politely ask for a performance and salary review in 6 months, which should give you plenty of time to prove you're worth more based on your overall job performance. If, however, the offer IS negotiable, again, I'd counter with a range. Say you were expecting an offer in the $50K to $55K range and see what happens. But in either case, if you make can make a counter-offer you also have to be prepared to state why the JOB will be worth that much more to the employer because of how well your experience, training, skills, past job performance, and education match the requirements of the job. Best of luck with the job you prefer. If you'd care to let me know how this turns out, I'd love to know. Or if I can be of further assistance, just let me know.