I find this question interesting, as I have recently been on both sides of this equation. When seeking a job as a Perl programmer, I find that the vast majority of "Perl" jobs are *not* Perl jobs at all. Almost always, Perl is listed as a requirement, but the main development is being done in some other language. There just don't seem to be that many companies out there building systems out of Perl.

On the flip side, as a lead developer trying to build a team of solid software engineers who specialize in Perl, I find the task very difficult. Most of the folks we interview claim to "know Perl", but when tested we find that they have read the CGI Scripting book and that's about it. Some of them don't even know who Larry Wall is.

For my own part, I am a Perl software engineer and consider myself well compensated. I would not presume to speak for anyone else, but I certainly wish you all luck, whether you are seeking employment or employees.