Every year Microsoft conducts a survey among its certified professionals in regards to the salary growth. It’s worth noting that the number of MCPs is approaching 1 million. 2004 results report an across-the-board average of $61,900, a minor increase of only $200 from results reported in the 2003 survey. Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) took the top wage-earner spot, averaging a base salary of $78,600. Many MCPs, 51%, believed their compensation increased due to certification. Despite a looming threat, many MCPs remained employed in the last 12 months: only 9.5% reported that they joined the unemployment line and, of those, 65.9% were rehired or found a new job. 88% feel Outsourcing has had no impact on their job and 85% believe it will not have an impact next year. Less than half, 44% of respondents, named training as a company benefit, down from 54% in 2003. Most MCPs, 88.3%, plan to be working in IT in five years.