One must not view highest pay professionals thru benchmark of money alone.
In finance we have a term called " quality of earnings" and "free cash flow"
Looking from that POV, SWE although are highly paid, but they very poor WLB and are covered under the worst taxation policies of the world. Only the lucky ones have decent WLB.
In india, its the medical doctors who win hands down as highest paid professionals.
Many might say, they have even poor WLB, Its depends on the specialty that doctor works. but most doctors end working longer hours just for the money. This long work hours is done voluntarily. and they have full control of their time. A luxury that no SWE has.
Even a poor doctor, with 10 years of exp will easily touch 50L with his practice alone. then comes commission from other sources.
The doctors also have advantage when it come to taxation. call it unfair, but it is the truth, they pay way less than than a SWE.
So, compared with quality of earnings, free cash flow and the luxury of time. medical doctors win hands down. SWE are no where in the picture.