I think a large hidden factor when comparing pay is the length (and cost) of the education required as well as hours worked. I make 45% more than the median income here (Sweden) with zero education and averaging 35 or so hours per week, working as a septic tank truck driver.

It's not as much as I'd make as a software developer; but I never had any student loans to worry about and what software devs are working 35 hour weeks and still make bank?