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<p>I suspect that as well. I’d be interested in knowing if there’s ever been a study done about why students chose to major in engineering. Quite a few of my friends who were majoring in engineering wanted a high salary. Engineer’s salaries <em>are</em> high, but it’s not on the same level as doctors and lawyers.</p>
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<p>To be honest, it only bothers me a little. I have a friend who was working at a big New York law firm as a summer associate and he was living in a $4000 per month apartment with a roommate. The flip side is that he never got to enjoy it since he went to work early everyday and came home late every night. It’s the same in the financial consulting and investment banking field as well, though if you do well, you can have a very early retirement. </p>
<p>As for me, I’ll be finishing up grad school this May and starting work soon after, and I have absolutely no regrets. For my position, the salary is typically in the high 50s, lower 60s to start off, which is plenty, even in a high cost of living area like NYC. One of my friends (also in NYC) has a similar salary and he considers himself rich, so it all depends on your expectations and lifestyle really. If you want three sports cars, then it’s probably not going to be enough, but if you don’t spend money frivolously, then you’ll be just fine.</p>