I don't know what you folks are talking about, i just entered the 6-figure salary range!! I guess 20 years of experience and being multi-talented helps. I can program anything metrology, and i also help with AutoCAD drafting for the site. i'm sure if i learned solidworks well enough, they'd pay me even more.
I know of two corporations desperate to find someone like me here in Phoenix AZ area (Armorworks, but the quality director, Fred C, is a dIck you don't want to work for, and Corning is looking for a metrology supervisor with OGP and Nexiv experience) One of those roles also has a 6 figure entry salary cap for sure. Let me know if you are interested in either via PM, and i'll pass your info along to someone on the inside.