8. "this lets you know you can make more" In response to In response to 0
you dont have to accept excuses from a job that they can only pay so much. like others have said, dont bring up that you saw his pay. just use it as more knowledge. i think as others have said, apply for other jobs. use the salary you saw as a baseline and ask for 5-10% more.
if you have success with a different job offer then you got the leverage at your job.