I'm an engineer (systems and software). Everyone around me are also engineers. Starting pay for them really depends on your particular discipline and your resume. When I first started here, I came in as a mid-level engineer due to my experience. About a week later, we had an EE come in straight outta college. Dude was making around $50K a year or maybe a bit less. I say that 'cause dude was always complaining about money problems and having to live in a shitty part of Phoenix 'cause that's what he could afford until his wife landed a job. I kinda felt bad for him 'cause I walked in the door making almost twice his salary without a degree, but I have years of experience under my belt.
There was a couple more cats that have come in over the last few years, straight outta college, that were complaining about money. I guess they have this notion that 'cause they have a degree, they're automatically worth $100K+, and they can't handle it when all of the offers they get hover around $50K.