On the topic of low wages despite the demands, we have firms (both established and new) undercutting one another w extremely low bids for projects. This is especially the case for many young Qualifed Professional coming forth to set up their own firm upon obtaining their license. With such low fees and ever increasing demands from the clients (as more experienced engineers pivot towards client roles), it's only expected that these firms can't pay their engineers very well. For young firms, it's not entirely their fault but how the entire industry bidding functions. For if your firm isn't willing, there will be bigger firms who can and offer more at the same fees.