Continue to pursue the second two aggressively...if your not sure what I mean PM me...

When you win them over you may be able to close the gap on income...For the right person, we have hired significantly over what we budgeted for...just remember when you are hiring you are trying to get the best person that fits into your budget constraints...when interviewing you are trying to get the best company match that also fits your budget.

I've had to go several times to a supervisor with justification of why this particular person was right for the job and discussed how much more could be allotted. There is only one thing to keep in mind - this sometimes has an effect on future raises, so that your pay comes back in line to their budget. I was hired at $10,000 over what was budgeted...however didn't see an income change until the third year...

Also another strategy is to suggest that in 90 days that if things are going well that a bump occur. I did this also, gave me an additional $2,000 (not with the same company)

Make yourself indispensible...