Wallstreet whore just having a big mouth. Just coz u fu(k with 10 different guys, and make more money than average hardworking person, doesn't makes ur profession better than others. A whore is a whore.
So don't give  the shit about O'I make'this load, or in whore's case, I can take this load.
And most of the courses you mentioned are applied mathematics not pure econ or finance. Another funny thing is you are comparing PHDs with general engineering (undergrad), which is comparing Apples with Oranges. As far as I know, Engineers are one who kick ass in MBA and get good grad school in any major.  And obviously you can go to econ or finance anyday from engi background, but how many of you have seen doing the opposite? There are non and the reason is simple. Coz they can't.
So just like in Nepal, if you good to nothing, go to econ. If you are good than develop a solid understandings and analytical skills from engineering then you can go any field and kick ass.

As far as money goes, just like I said above, a whore is a whore, irrespective of how much he/she makes.