[bitshepherd]

Degree-less engineer here. It can be done, but you have to work hard. Your college educated peers will have a basis of classroom-based learning that you didn't get, and it'll hurt you early on. Once you get enough years of relevant experience, that degree matters less and less, but you still have to hone your craft more than your college educated peers.

If you want to excel without a degree, you have to build a reputation for being "the guy" that people go to when they get stumped. Is it hard? You bet. In my opinion, it's best to grind out some time at big name companies while you build your reputation. Don't aim for a Facebook or Google, because you'll get round filed quicker than you'll get an interview. Besides, if you get good enough at what you do, they'll come looking for you, with or without the pedigree.

source: I'm a degree-less engineer in the Bay Area with recruiters hitting me up on a daily basis.