[hamletdrc2]

I have found through experience that different cultures/markets require different qualifications. In the US you can create some practical experience (home projects) for yourself and usually find a lower-paying entry level position with a smaller company. After a few years experience you don't get asked about your lack of formal education anymore (this is what I did by the way, I have a Sociology undergrad).

In London, I found that people are much more interested in degrees and pedigree. Job interviews often started with education questions first, and I feel like I was considered less valuable because of the lack of CS background (that was my opinion at least).

In Switzerland, where I am now, the people I encounter place a very high value on training programs. Scrummaster training is more valuable than Scrum experience and programming certificates are important in a way I never expected. However, the Swiss have a very strong culture of apprenticeship and "Lehrling" programs, and both shops I have worked in have many more interns than I have seen elsewhere. And the interns are often in the last phase of their Masters degree!

This is all just experiential and not very quantitative. But my answer is it depends on where you live. If you agree to work for less than the next person then I think you have a very good chance of landing a programming job.