Core Mech industry scenes??

Want opinion of people in core mech industry. I feel like stuck from compensation as well as growth pov in current role, and company has put career architecture as well as merit increase on hold. Market situation also seems bad, so I'm looking for a switch. Are there enough good opportunities and companies willing to hire with decent pay available in core, (have 3 YOE) or have to switch streams or something the only options available?