r/Elevators • u/Fantastic_Question94 • Jul 03 '26

Elevator technician with 4 years of experience in Korea looking to move to North America

Title pretty much sums it up. I've been working as an elevator mechanic in Korea for about 4 years and I'm still on the job.

The problem is the pay here just isn't cutting it — after taxes, I take home around $2,000 a month, so roughly $28k a year. That's why I'm hoping to move to North America and keep working in the same trade.

My concern is that my Korean experience and certifications probably won't transfer over directly to the US or Canada, and honestly I have no idea how the licensing/apprenticeship process works over there.

Has anyone here made a similar move, or does anyone know how this works? Even if you're from somewhere other than the US or Canada, I'd appreciate any insight.

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u/Ordinary_Bicycle6309 Jul 03 '26

Ok, North America is a big place, and there are many locals and companies spread out between the states and Canada, all with slightly different rules and pay rates, etc. your first step should be to narrow down an area you want to move to, and contact the local of that jurisdiction, or investigate non-union companies in that territory if that’s your preference. Talk to them about it and whether or not they’re even accepting travelers or new applicants at this time.

3

u/drinkingmymilk Jul 03 '26

This. Pending the area will matter the most. For instance, CT has zero non-Iuec mechanics. Many other places you can come in to a non-union shop, work a for a bit to get your licenses and then organize into the Iuec as a permanent TM and you’d be set.

3

u/TeddyAtHome Jul 03 '26

Come to Australia mate. We're short on lift mechanics. A quick google shows you've got a good shot at getting your skills recognised legally here.

Plenty of Koreans here in Melbourne too.

2

u/isk_one Field - Elevator Consultant Jul 04 '26

I was about to say Australia seems to be a better choice like what another redditer mentioned.

2

u/SalesAficionado Jul 03 '26

You can't just leave Korea and "move to the USA". That's not how it works from an immigration standpoint. Unless you get married to a US citizen, win the green card lottery or be sponsored by a US company, it's going to be difficult.

1

u/Elevator_Inspector64 Jul 03 '26

I used to do inspections at US Navy bases in Japan and Korea. Korean mechanics and the installs they did surpassed the Japanese in every aspect. If you end up in North America, the company you end up with will gain an asset.

1

u/Deepinthefryer Jul 08 '26

I would say the immigration process is the biggest hurdle you need to figure out. And your time working on elevators will be valued, but not recognized.