In fact, when we examine the median, or midpoint, income for all respondents by certification, salary differences shrink. Our data is compiled from responses from 533 readers whose names were statistically pulled from U.S. addresses on our mailing list. The median, or midpoint, difference was somewhat less, but still visible. Microsoft is conducting its own studies of hourly billing rates for certified individuals, Lewis said, that show the hourly rates for Novell Certified NetWare Engineers dropping while MCP billing rates rise. Lewis also pointed to an IDC study that found MCPs more productive in the workplace.
Certification does have great value in the marketplace to a hiring manager.
Technical recruiters in various areas of the country weren't surprised by the numbers. Microsoft is leading the market. These people are becoming more and more in high demand. MIS is a very hot area. If I had to guess, I'd say that a lot of that premium is caused by the relative scarcity of MCPs for things like Windows 95 migration or NT, which has really exceeded forecasts.