PhD?

It just depends on whether it is worth it for you; most times obtaining a doctorate in anything that is not medicine does not add much more in terms of salary. It is more about the accomplishment and being well-versed in a particular subject. It sounds as though you are driven by the earning potential of your career, not necessarily the accomplishment of the PhD. You might be better served not going for it because the "worth" of the degree might not be the worth you are seeking. If you want to obtain the Doctorate just for the sake of raising your earnings or your potential salary then it might not prove to be worth it financially. Basically I guess it comes down to what the value in it is for you and whether or not it is something you need. I wouldn't say it's a bad thing to be fixated on the potential for earning more versus the commitment it takes to try and obtain a PhD, but you may find it not worth it in the end for you. Good luck to you in whatever you decide though!

You have to be able to measure the satisfaction of having accomplished the goal, and that adds to the intrinsic value of the higher degree. Then you need to remember, the cost of getting a PhD is not going to decrease. You will never find it less expensive to pursue that doctorate, so if you have the funding to do it now, it might be good to go ahead and do it. The job market may change and that degree would then have a higher value. That would be my take on the whole thing.

Oh if you want to pursue the degree, then by all means go for it. the reward may be little when it comes to your future job but at least it differs by that amount. it really depends as to where you are when you said about the 1 grand and it seemed low, yes but i am sure this is not the only reason why you want educational advancement. it really will be good in the long run.

Go for it. You are still quite young and no doubt a little fed up with studying but if you have the chance to get the top degree then don't settle for less. Later on, if things do not work out you will look back and regret that you stopped short of your abilities. It isn't about pay, it is about image. We live in a world where that counts, in a world where jobs are on the decline and only the best get considered. I'm a lot older than you and I can tell you that it is extremely frustrating to be by passed by a young, less experienced person just because they are a doctor of something. In a few more years you may not have the option because there may be family considerations and financial commitments. You will not be able to put yourself first. Now is the time to do this, talk it over with a friend who has already got his doctorate. He may inspire you.