Depending on the discipline, the upside potential to having a PhD over a BA is over $70,000 a year. (Bloomberg) Doctorates in science, math, and engineering have higher paying job opportunities than those in comparative literature. But overall, having a PhD does not gaurantee a higher salary than having a MA. For many, the costs associated with getting a doctorate degree may not be worth it. Authorea CEO and cofounder Alberto Pepe advises, “play with the idea that you may end up somewhere else. And in preparation for that possibility, think of ways to repurpose your work and “remarket” yourself early on. You will not regret it.”