Salary ask on application

Husband is looking for a new job. He currently makes 144K. Position he is applying for has a 111K-183K range. I think he should ask in higher range about 175K, but he's FEARFUL that's too high. I think it asserts his worth and allows for some negotiating. He is a 25 yr professional in software development, but his skills are not up-to-date due to his current position in a small company, where updating skills has been on the back burner, but also where he builds and maintains all projects including managing a small team. He has been with his current job 10 years where there has been no salary increase in 5 years. What do folks think? Will asking in the high range exclude him? I don't see why it would since it's below the top. TIA for your feedback.