I have worked for a laser manufacture as a field service rep. I did that for about 7 years. I repaired everything on the laser, bumper to bumper. My best year I made about 60k. I went to work in a shop after that. I didn't want to travel anymore. I programed, serviced the lasers, applications, and filled in for operators on vacation. I think I was at about 45k. Didn't last.
My opinion, the best ones can't be domesticated so don't even try. Find someone who is pretty good, pay him what you pay your programmers, then pay a little bit extra a few times a year for "master" to come in and visit.
