if we're talking Germany then architects don't earn a lot. Some do but many of them earn less than people in administration in big companies (so less than 60k). Mechanical engineering and IT (Engineers) earn comparatively high in Germany; yes doctors and professors earn more (which is not surprising, or maybe only to people in SV?) but aside from that you don't have a lot of people who earn more. Actually, most lawyers earn less than 60k€ (seems pretty much like a winner takes all market). If you're looking from an American perspective the wages of teachers in Germany are impressive (especially since they don't pay much in taxes), around 60k€ (and dont have to pay 15% in health care nor 10% for their pension like usual workers!) so they are easily in the top 20% wages for Germany.