I still feel that Kaggle is the 99designs of data science, basically it is a way to get spec work for cheap because fun > money.

In some ways it is devaluing the profession.

I would be shocked to see someone actually making a good living by US standards just from Kaggle.

Great read. I would like to see a breakdown of earnings by some of the top Kagglers. Is anyone doing this as a full time job or is it almost entirely supplemental?

...and if you'd like to work with Kaggle Masters: www.kaggle.com/careers

With no disrespect intended, I have to say that "Kaggle" reminds me way too much of the name of a certain female exercise.