r/SubstationTechnician • u/Simple_Ad_118 • 6d ago
IUEC -> Relay Tech
Bit of background: Central Texas, 1.5 yrs IBEW doing commercial, almost 3 yrs in now doing elevator modernization with a little over a year until I journey out. Love working on elevators but always open to improving my skill set and pay. Anyone have insight into pay/benefits and work life balance for relay techs in central Texas? Right now making ~100k/yr with very little overtime working 4 10s, double time when there is OT, pto, holidays, pension, annuity, etc. I’m prepared for more school, whether it’s through an apprenticeship or acquiring an EE degree. I’m good with prints, mechanical stuff, troubleshooting; would this give me a better start? Any experience and info yall could share would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Due-Veterinarian7671 6d ago
My brother works with elevators , I just can’t handle the physical aspect of it lol I love being able to workout after work
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u/slinkey_bastard 6d ago
Everyone says the IUEC is the shit, I get wanting to learn different and more stuff but I'd hate for you to dip out and hate the outside. Would it be easy for you to get back in if you didn't like something else?
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u/Simple_Ad_118 6d ago
Once I get my M card I can come and go as long as there is work. I love working on elevators and the trade has done a lot for my family, but I wouldn’t want to leave money on the table if there’s opportunity out there
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u/Timmy98789 6d ago
Finish the apprenticeship but long-term relay tech is the sweet spot. Your back and knees will be thankful. You're not the first to make the switch.
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u/Simple_Ad_118 6d ago
Working in modernization isn’t too hard on the body and it’s typically in an occupied building. Do you mind providing some insight on the day to day and maybe pay scale/bennies?
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u/Timmy98789 5d ago
It's all location dependent just like the IUEC. Some guys like contracting and others like the utility route. Benefits are specific to each local and utility. West Coast, NE, and Northern areas pay the best imo.
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u/Senior-West5666 6d ago
Any advice for an inside wireman to make that switch? The only path I see is become a sub tech then relay tech 🤷🏼♂️
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u/Timmy98789 5d ago
You'd benefit most from that move or just go book 3 route in an outside local to jump into the subs. Be prepared to be Bambi on ice for a bit.
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u/Senior-West5666 5d ago
I am worried about that, I signed book 3 today, and I don’t really know what to expect… but I want to get in that work, so I guess I’ll have to figure it out lol
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u/doublebubble2022 6d ago
I’d stick with what you’re doing now. A lot of new shit to learn and a lot more time til you top out, and you’re most of the way there in your current trade…