There are tons of good paying CFI jobs out there. But personally I just couldn't do the CFI thing. I'm a good teacher (I think) but have a short amount of tolerance for people who don't listen to me and I know that would get in the way. Any who... the answer is no, you don't need to get your CFI. But keep reading. My advice, get it along with all the extras (II MEI). It will look good on your resume and is always a thing to fall back on also.
However, actually teaching from 250-1500 is going to suck, really hard. And unless you have good weather and bunch of students you won't make hrs or money sitting at the school all day long. Currently I'm a survey pilot and the hrs are coming fast. Started October 17 with 320 TT and now have 753 TT. All PIC solo And lots of XC.
And the big thing is if I fly 7 hrs in a day, I only work for 8 ish (paperwork and preflight). The pay isn't the best but the company pays for everything but food. Also with your ATP background, a lot of the survey companies fly aztecs. So that's always a chance to upgrade.
Some people might bash me "that's not good time flying lines". First the regionals don't care they are desperate. And two I've learned more stick and rudder skill in this job then during any of my flight training. Hope this helps.