Is a degree really important to secure a high paying job or is skill enough?

Skill is always more than enough. Everything else becomes instantly negotiable when you're him.

The real question is do you actually have the skills or not.

I think degree helps one to get their first good opportunity. After that it's all on you and your skills

Degree is like the driving licence. It doesn't prove you can drive well. But it is essential to get that job as a driver. The ability to stay in the job that's skill.