I'd definitely be looking for another employer. If you can manage it during business hours, it never hurts to interview elsewhere and see what kind of offers you might get. What if you find out a similar role pays $34/hr and they offer you the job after you nail a few interviews? Would you stay at your current employer because you like them?

Edit to add, don't just look laterally. Look up. You know how to work the floor, you know how to run the tech department... what about management roles elsewhere? Come in as the guy with lots of experience ready for the next step in his career.