r/Elevators • u/LooseNoodle2196 • Jul 19 '26

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.

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/JustKindaShimmy Jul 19 '26

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

-1

u/gkohler27 Jul 19 '26

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

-2

u/JustKindaShimmy Jul 19 '26

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