Yes, it is common because too many people drink the kool-aid. You should be entitled to be paid according to your contribution. "Should" because other factors m

Yes, it is common because too many people drink the kool-aid. You should be entitled to be paid according to your contribution. "Should" because other factors may be involved: - paying you more might upset some employees with a degree; - paying you more might arise requests from some employees without a degree; - why pay you more when you are contented with less money? If your contributions overcome such side-effects, you can ask for more.