[dagw]

Is it similar for other skilled professionals? What do accountants, lawyers, civil engineers, pilots, physical therapists, etc. make?

In aggregate software engineers don't make less than any of those fields if that is what you are asking.

Why would anyone with the intelligence and drive needed to become a software engineer pursue that field?

Because it's pretty fun, relatively easy if you have knack for it, easier to find a job, and on the whole quite well paid and comfortable work.