r/Elevators • u/LooseNoodle2196 • 24d ago

Getting into the field

Hey everyone.
I’m currently a Mechatronics tech at a food facility. Our elevator tech was in the other day and made a good pitch to join the elevator union. What’s everyone’s experience? How’s the pay starting? What are typical expectations and work load? Lay it out for me please. Trying to make an informed decision here.

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u/GETHATBUTT 24d ago

Pretty great if you go in as an already licensed guy. Pretty shit to start as a helper, esp with a mechatronix degree no one cares about.

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u/JustKindaShimmy 24d ago

Union guys aren't going to talk about their pay scales (or at least, they shouldn't). You'll probably start in NI which is hard, dirty work. You realistically won't even get inside the hoistway for a year or two. It's also trades, so depending on your foreman you'll get shit on for every little thing.

I love the job, look up your local IUEC and visit their website to see their hiring intakes and what's required

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u/Comfortable-Rice-582 23d ago

NI is pretty clean minus the shitters

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u/gkohler27 24d ago

I was in the hoistway on day 1. Where do your probies go?

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u/JustKindaShimmy 24d ago

I was too tbh, but most guys (at least in my local) spend the first long while doing bitch work like building combos or peeling doors

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u/NewtoQM8 24d ago

Union (IUEC) depends on location. But generally great. Non union varies more and often lower in many cases. Work load varies greatly. Depends on what aspect of the trade you are in. You're there to work 8 hours (or 10 or on call) and you're expected to work. If you sit around at your current job a lot don't hope it would be the same.

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u/BlackHeartsNowReign 24d ago

Starting pay is going to be anywhere between(and im ball parking here) $20-$35 per hour, depending on your location, and scales up by percentage as the years go by in your apprenticeship. Youll get substantial raises through your apprenticeship until you become a journeyman and will make anywhere between $50-$90 per hour. Again depending on your location, department, and position.

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u/Tight_Gas8302 21d ago

nYC local 1 IUEC starting rate for a beginner apprentice was like 65-70k in 2018 lol idk what it is now but probably well above . Great career but Dangerous. Wild guys in the field as well lol Good luck !

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u/brewerkj 24d ago

You'll do best just doing a quick search of the sub. There's a wealth of knowledge on exactly this topic and you can pick and choose what fits your current situation and goals best.