>Has any research been conducted regarding obtaining your MCP and MCSD with regard to salary compensation, specifically within the VFP arena?

I haven't seen anything related to VFP, but here is some more generic info
http://www.mcpmag.com/salarysurveys/

>Likewise, does anyone have any personal experience with how obtaining these certifications effect salary and/or influence in the job market?
>
>For those who have, or are in the process of, achieving certification, and are not self-employed, did your employer pick up the associated costs?

When I earned by MCSD, my employer then did not pick up the exam fee costs, but gave me work time to write the exams. They purchased books for me.

My current employer does all that plus pays for the exam fees.

While I haven't received a direct raise from being certified it has helped support my claims to get a higher job classification (more money) over the last few years. My salary has increase by $5000 in the last two years. I am not sure how much I would have gotten without being certified. Maybe the same, maybe nothing.

As well certification has given tangible evidence (my wall full of cert diplomas) that I am keenly involved in learning more about my profession.