It comes down to the person's ability to problem solve. I've worked with both. The higher paid engineer will solve a problem in some cases in minutes vs hours i

It comes down to the person's ability to problem solve. I've worked with both. The higher paid engineer will solve a problem in some cases in minutes vs hours if ever for the lower paid one. In a very busy work environment the 250k+ engineer is mostly a bargain. Both were immigrants and were highly rated. One was just outstanding.