If I understand your current question correctly you're asking about desire towards vs impact of financial reward related to work.

If you look at Herzberg's 2 factor theory you could conclude that financial gain is a work hygiene issue. Pay is not a strong motivating factor until it does not reach market or personally assessed value. On the other hand, promotion provides an intrensic variable of success that motivates individuals. Also, if you look at Maslow' s Hierarchy the money based issues are on the base while self-actualization and social status are much higher on the pyramid.

Keeping this in mind most will find a higher degree of self-effacacy in a higher position vs a pay raise.