I've been in IT for over 10 years now. I know MS SQL fairly well, and I've dabbled in programming languages such as C+ and Java in the past. I understand programming concepts pretty well and I could have them down if I brushed up on them. I'm not familiar enough with syntax to say that I'm a programmer, I just know how it works. I've never really programmed anything other than MS SQL stored procedures in the past, and the little rinky dink programs that I learned in school.

I want to ditch IT support and get into programming. I'm not happy with my career and I really want to try something else. I know there are plenty of programmers here and I was hoping for some insight as to how long it takes to become proficient enough to land an entry level job, and what kind of salary I'm going to expect. I know that the salary ceiling will be much higher, but I am kind of afraid of the potential salary drop to get into a new entry level position.

Any advice is appreciated.