It depends. From what I've experienced so far, you're paid for how talented you are at what you do. It also depends on how needed you are. That's why jobs are very rarely "available" in the game industry unless it's urgent and somebody's left/transfered or there is work that needs to be done right away. Also to note, it's why they'll push for the best programmer/artist/what-have-you they can get for the same money it would cost to get two of the same guy or girl. Steady pay is what keeps people around.
With all of that said, the success of a game does have an impact on the budget the studio receives for the next year. So I think that the employees that stick around and have improved their skills will get what they deserve, if they deserve it. I think that's how it happens for a lot of other industries too. Except marketing, like you noted.
And no, all I get from Dr. Mario is more players to pummel online.
