I had to solve a problem with which nobody would/could help me while working at the university help desk. I coded up my own little solution in php (3) and MySql (3). Yeah. I was one of those.
I think the hardest part of getting started as a programmer is finding that first paycheck which rewards your work as a coder. If you're serious about building your skills, it can definitely be done! A CS degree can absolutely help get you more money. (And introduce you to different methods of organizing your work).
All that matters is your attitude and your personal ethics. If those are in order, it doesn't matter how you get started.
