Hardware design - was it the right path?

Hello, junior HW designer here, looking for career advice. I know we have many experienced engineers here willing to share their two cents.

Brief summary of my current situation:

After graduating in telecom I have worked briefly as an electrician before landing in HW development at a global automotive supplier.

While I love the job, I mean it is fun, team is great, etc., I do have some concerns about long-term career prospects. The senior level salary is mediocre at best. I see colleagues complaining all the time and frankly they're right. The pay does not seem to be worth all the effort and expertise.

I'm regretting leaving the trade job. Some of my peers working in trades are building their own houses already meanwhile I'm living in my rented apartment deciding between a mortgage and a spectrum analyzer (for personal projects/education), driving to work with half-rusted car.

Now, is there a path to take over my peers in life? Will the learning and money spent eventually pay off? Which niches are worth getting into?

Should I perhaps get back into electrical?

Don't get me wrong, I know my place, the subject of electronics is so broad I have a lot yet to learn to become somewhat competent. But still, even at senior level I'll probably earn less than an average plumber.