There is absolutely no correlation between 'Master skinner' status and economic wealth.
None.
No-one is means-tested to determine his or her skinning 'status'.
Yes, you may need [or prefer to] purchase superior graphic software [eg Photoshop], however freeware graphics proggies will get a talented person far further than a $1000 Photoshop/etc will get the inept.
Prime requisite for 'Master' status is ability....combined [as this is also a communityl site] with commitment to skinners and skinning.
If one considers Windowblinds, say, as the pinnacle of skinning endeavour...then it's perhaps interesting to know that skinning it is actually possible with nothing more than the default Windows installed proggies, namely MSPaint, and Notepad.
OK, it would be sensible for a skinner to perhaps work with something other than a 60 day trial of WB....so expect to fork out $20 so you can take your time [and still be able to see the results], however $20 is a heck of a lot less than whatever it is you are using to access this forum anyway....namely ISP, Computer, etc....