However, an advanced degree may qualify you for a different type of work, such as research or a new specialty. Keep in mind if you decide to seek an advanced technical degree that you are doing it for yourself - not for the money. Within the industry-specialized disciplines, there is a certain amount of rivalry. Sometimes one group believes that another is better paid. However, some of the variance may be due to the nationality of the respondents to the salary surveys.
Managerial salaries are considerably higher than technical salaries.
Still, manager or not, you'll never get really rich on salary alone. To get really rich, you need to be a successful investor or entrepreneur. Nevertheless, a technical professional's salary will afford you a very comfortable lifestyle. For engineers, professional registration does bring a slight premium. Registration also increases the types of employment open to you.