I worked security at pfizer many years ago, anytime an elevator had issues we had to call elevator guys anytime of night they would show up gladly. Now i know why, they're rollin in the dough!
Local 74 tampa. Im a probation in my first 6 months of elevators. Best job i have ever had. The guys are happy to be there, wanting to teach and pass on knowledge. Im in mod and love the challenge.
The elevator industry is cut throat. If your dad or uncle didn’t work in it or if you don’t look like “them” it’s very hard to get a job let alone keep a job in this industry. Plus look up residential elevator installers in your area. They make 15hr……. I spent 8 years in this trade, it taught me a lot but it’s worse than the mafia. This is just my experience….
I am a rigging and heavy haul general foreman we mostly work for the power company almost all of the guys who work for me make between 100 to 140 a year and Forman from 150 to over 200 a year The trades are where it’s at now I tell young people learn become a valuable employee. Learn everything you can.
I always heard elevator mechanics made good money. If I could roll the calendar back 40 years... I got a kick out of you two talking about residential elevators and it's impact on you about wealth. I work in a lot of rich areas - Palm Beach, Jupiter Island, Manalapan, Boca Raton. I see quite a few houses with elevators. Some are uber wealthy, some are just above average. What really gets me is the artwork some of these people have. That's what shows the separation between the really big money, the wealthy, and the rest of us.
@@whateverwhenever8170 hahaha I have been known to do same thing. It’s sad you have to do that shit and 9 times out of 10 it’s just someone not doing their job right or being lazy or normal robbing Peter to pay Paul
In a lot of northern states that’s the case. In some states it’s not wise as companies will only hire non union labor and get around unionization by doing yearly shutdowns and layoffs. Crazy I know, but just be careful.
It's so true . My ex neighbor , who passed away was killing it for years. Then he started his own company and really made big $. I asked him how busy he stayed, how was business in general . For real , he replied "It was up and down " He either had a dry sense of humor or didn't even realize the pun. Didn't even crack a smile. But he was quite old at that time.
I wish I knew about this when I got out of the military, but I’ve taken all my tests and done all my interviews and number 13 on the list with only a few left in front of me so I can’t wait to get started
I remember in high school i was working construction and the foreman for the elevator crew asked me if i wanted an internship... All the guys who i worked with told me i shouldn't get into that line of work and get a white collar job. I should have taken thay internship. I make good money now, but it took about 12 years to get here. I could have gotten a much earlier start in my career at 18 instead
That was another issue at least for us millennials...it wasn't just high school and parents pushing college and white collar work. Even the tradesmen were telling anyone interested in trades to stay in school and away from blue collar work.
I’ve, in the last 40 years, had the pleasure of working with many talented hardworking tradesmen, union and nonunion. I don’t however believe that elevator mechanics make the most and have the best benefits because they are the “most educated “ as this guy claims. I do believe that they have the best union. Btw, have a friend who spent his career with Otis. He is a competent tradesman that knows his s$&t like all the others great tradesmen I have been lucky enough to have met and worked with. Just my humble opinion.
Otis and Kone here in CT, got a friend and a friends father and his son in it, damn wait list is like 5,000 long, if u have an uncle in it, it got my friend moved up to the top 100 in the wait list. Lol
Had an online friend years back who happened to be an elevator mechanic. I'd know him for a bit before he told me what he did and how much he made, and when he did i was kinda shocked. It always stuck in my mind so when i saw the title to this video he's what i thought of.
28:40 “ill work circles around these guys” Mannnn I tell yah I done heard that shit from several guys in their early fifties in the trades everytime they are the “new hire” in the shop and rarely do they work circles around anyone, they just work like everybody else but talk more shit for literally no reason 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I’ve always told my guys that being an elevator mechanic pays the best, and when they retire they can become inspectors or consultants. I know what I pay my elevator contracts, and they are the most out of all my contracts.
@hotterthann take it seriously and truly want it. I'm a firm believer that if you want something be willing to reach out and take it. Be prompt, don't complain and ask questions.
My Dad had 27 years in local 10 elevator union out of Washington DC, and in 2000, when I turned 18, he was begging me to get in. My dumbass was working for a floor company close to home, making a decent wage, and turned it down. Today, I kick myself in the ass because I would have 24 years in working to a hell of a retirement. I put 12 years in flooring even though I did gainfully learn a trade, but flooring is probably the hardest strain on the body. Now I'm broke up with a class A CDL driving local school buses.
@@taharqa332 go ask the majority of the population what a sprinkler fitter does… I guarantee you most people don’t know unless you’re in construction… but you can ask most of the population. What a plumber or an electrician does and they know…
The new gen is constantly on there cell phones and they think it’s ok because the boss isn’t around, and u wonder why they don’t get anything done. Now as to wages, in the SF Bay Area, elev mechanics make at least 75 to 80 bucks an hour not including benies! Forman, 10 bucks more.
Got in the trade when construction was going strong in a big city . Then when work gets slack and you want to get back to your little home town yeah you are right. No retirement ? No deaths ? Yeah hard to find work… lots of travel . Harder than most trades to get into.
They say nobody has the drive to do the trades right after they say they have 500 people apply and end up taking 124. The problem isnt always the applicants but the companies and unions who act like their jobs are special. Lets face it, for the most part anyone can be an elevator me mechanic. As long as you are somewhat mechanically inclined and are willing to do a 4 year course. I mean just listen to this guy, worked in warehouses then was offered to fet into this field. You dont need to be a rocket scientist.
You're right that anyone can be in a trade as long as they are willing to learn and work hard...But don't you think that out of those 500 maybe only 124 of them showed drive or were willing to do the 4 year course? That's also a big problem, getting enough people in a trade that ACTUALLY care...
Some of the opportunities you miss when you're young! 79'-80' Iwas 18yrs old, on a fluke went to a test day for Otis elevator in Portland, Or. Apparently I'd scored second out of a lot of guys there. Found the test easy and interesting. Kept getting calls to come back, blew it off. If only I knew then what I know now!!
Hey. Don't kick yourself, my man. Millions of us missed the opportunities when we were young. I was good at school, graduated 12th in class, college easy but did not graduate. But while in high school, I still remember getting a brochure about diesel mechanics. I wanted to do it but everyone around me was pushing for science, doctor or lawyer.
We have that same saying in auto mechanics doing plumbing electrical and doing measurements thinner than your hair soo go to auto school for the 1 or 2 years than elevator school then open your own business in under 5 years
I wish these videos were around 10 years ago before started automotive. It’s crazy how little we make compared to all the other trades. I’d love to get into the elevator trade but it seems impossible due to how small the union is.
A lot of you guys are looking at the public payscale for wages most journeyed mechanics are making over-scale… scale is just the minimum they can get paid. Ive talked to quite a few mechanics in a low cost of living areas making 15-25$ an hour over scale.
Been in the elevator industry 44 years and still going strong gave up the OT for the next generation Union dues are $740 per quarter no sick days or PTOs 12 paid holidays Cadillac insurance Been blessed with this job since 1980
@@internetpointsbankI’m 21 worked hard to ranked high on the recruitment list, did lots of certification classes to come stacked and worked for public works which gave me great experience. Am I lazy? I think certain people made it seem like we are that, but there’s a good group of us hard working young people.
@@OmarHernandez-gv6nu He is correct, no PTO. If you want to self-fund your own time off, then you can. They will take a bit off each check to equal a weeks pay or whatever you want. That way you can still take the days off and get a normal check the next week despite not actually get PTO from an employer.
@@genuismensa okay thanks for clearing that, I’ve been trying to get a lot more info on the trade works so I can prepare myself. I worked hard for this it’s my dream career.
My brother in law worked for Ottis elevator in Detroit was the lead guy for metro airport expansion the last 2yrs on that job he worked 12hr shifts 7 days a week his base rate was 75 per hour he made
It's demand for the job and the fact there is no competition from the private sector so the Union can leverage that. Good on those hard working guys, but trying the put valuation on skilled labor based on pay is foolish. I couldn't repair an elevator but as a machinist I could make any part they need to do their job.
@@notyourtypicalfarah7194 yes they can. Helps them sell more as well since they are already their diagnosing the problem. Also some companies do have a sales team as well.
I quit school 16 year old. 20 years ago i got my machine operating certificate and what you call CDL. And on a good year i take in 70-90k a year. If i would buy my own machine and do like a taxi work on a crane i could do even more...
Not when that piece of elevator equipment fails and your being sued for something that might not have been your fault....You'd have been better off to be a painter then🤣
It's not just wanting to work. It's wanting to be home with your family and enjoy thr money you make. I've been an aircraft mechanic for twenty years. It's intreat in the job, it's knowing that the job is there. Because yes four years of schooling and you can make 300k as a pilot. They have forced retirement age. So not as simple and as great as they like to make it out.
I work with kids talking about trades etc in nyc schools . Not much I can tell them about elevator mechanics because it’s like a gated community . But if your blessed to get in God bless you . Maybe there’s a way to learn the trade without a hook of some sort but I have never heard of one .
Lineman are the highest paid tradesmen. Out here in California 74 per hour straight time and all overtime is doubletime. Not uncommon to make 600k plus
I respect both sides all he said was he had to work for somebody and this generation is more of starting business and creating jobs especially when ppl future depend on negotiations instead of necessity and skill
Talking about the guy who is 65 and has 65 years worth of pension is so sad. The guy will never see the fruits of his labor and will die and some union will just mark that credit off the books. Its crazy sad if you really think about it.
Yup exactly what he said. I just interviewed for the local here in Ohio. 23 years old. Started at mcds when I was 16, moved to warehouse work, now asphalt 2 years. I got ranked 40th out of I wanna say 180. I won’t get the call in the next 2 years. Not discouraged but motivated now. The guy who interviewed me knows who I am( he’s the boss to family in the industry). He was very honest with me and said I’m under qualified, I’ll make the list but not as high as guys like you. Have that certificate, take pics of at home projects; and I mean ANYTHING working on ur car, Redoing the bathrooms, ur best projects at work! Take pics my man they want them in the interview. So it doesn’t translate but man does it look good. Good luck brother. Aptitude tests he mentioned to get the interview are extremely easy. Doesn’t go as high as 7th grade math. Fractions, decimals, simplifying them, adding them. Reading is easy. I will say have a very basic understanding of water pressure, levers and gearing (direction of turn) and how that works. OHSA 10 and cpr certificates are a must. Get in there my man
Im a journeyman electrician. I was blessed and ranked number one. But to put into perspective. My 19 yr old brother in law got ranked 25 with no experience in any trade, better than some union journeymen that ranked 40 or worse. Its not about the experience. Its about the interview. Record your self. Get fluid with your speech, get fluid with the questions, dig deep to the core of the question. Do not try and make a connection with elevators. Just aim to hit the core of the interview questions. Its hard for alot of people but it definitely is possible. My 19yr old brother in law had me to help him prep but we didnt lie. We just used his experience to hit the root of the question. And he ended up placed higher than alot of tradesmen.
@@montestreet2505 ....Hmm....35 year IUEC member here....Depending on which direction your carrer goes.....You will need some good math skills for electronics and calculations especially if you want to the "top dog" in Constrution known as an Adjuster....The person who does the final programming and tuning of an elevator system.....I had college level Electronics Classes and there are simular requirements to be sucessful in areas of the IUEC....Never enjoyed "running rails" or setting machine beams walking the high steel of a 40+ story building in my career but, kept a roof over my head when I had to. I enjoyed working on ajusting crews and field service troubleshooting in my later years of employment in the IUEC
You have to go through thier full 4 year apprenticship unless you worked for a manufacturer of equipment in a position like engineering. The few guys I worked around who entered the IUEC as an "Article 10" usually showed large deficiencies in some aspects of our trade. One smart engineer was assigned to me on a huge hi-rise building. I was told by my job foreman....This guy is NOT! an IUEC member....your his boss! Legend had it that he was working in NYC and they first fired up a new technology elevator system....began moving up the building without putting proper compensating weight value on the platform....soon...PHYSICS took over and 2-3tons of steel was racing towards the top of the building and when it CRASHED! there was tens of thousands of $$$'s in resulting damage....luckilly no injuries.
Takes about 10 years of retirement pay outs to get the money out that you put in .how many retire and live 10 years.? What are the stats on those members?
You’re misinformed, our hourly rate in the electrical utilities industry is quite a bit more than these elevator guys. All over time is double time and our per diem is $125 a day no matter where we work.
Im an entrtainment rigger for 6 months oit of the year. I make $38 per hr and anything over 8 hrs in a day is overtime. We work 16 hr days 4 days a week. That is pocket change compared to the $160 pr hr I make blowing glass for the remainder of the year.
Salaries are going up for elevator mechanics. If you ask for a raise, they can go higher. Definitely a career on the ascent. I wonder how long it takes to get to the top? (ok I'll stop now😊)
$53/hr for Journeyman is not the highest out of the trades. I’m a Union Powerhouse Mechanic and I’m at $61.29/hr as a max’d out journeyman. Wage’s are mostly public knowledge on the local’s website… the title of this video is misleading. Also elevator mechanics don’t have any side work unlike most of the other trades. Good talk otherwise.
Good wages but he shouldn't claim it's the highest paid trade. As an equipment operator in the linemans union I make the same hourly plus 50 a day "tool rent", which I bring no tools, all are provided by the company.. journeyman lineman make about 60 an hour. Foremans make 65+. These are upstate ny rates.
Nationally the elevator union has like 90% market share for the elevator industry, most of the other trades like electricians plumbers etc. its less than 50%. Lineman also have a high rate of union membership and they make a lot more than most other trades as well.
Roger, Local 100 got rid of the 35 year cap last year(2023) I have now 30 years credit there. I have often thought about going from HVAC side of things to elevator mechanic. Doing the HVAC I’ve done most of what they have. Welding, wiring, running pipe, rigging, machining, building your own tools to do a job. I do love the job, I love working on the most complicated challenging problems & resolving it. Retrofitting panels & drives to machines that were not intended to have it. 9 out of 10 people will not make the cut that we hire. They just give up.
I feel the same show your kids your work they say ya I know you will show more in ten minutes but I hope he remembers everything I've done ,he should be in the elevator trade he's 14 now ill be talking elevators to him hopefully he will join you zach
I would love for this guy to come with me to work for one day as an aircraft mechanic. try reading the electrical schematics of a jumbo jet or even try and figure out how to get one wheel off without killing yourself..
Well he isn't an aircraft mechanic so I'm sure he would fail. Just like I'm sure you'd fail at properly fixing an elevator. Not sure what your point is?
look up IUEC the International Union of Elevator Constructors but, PLEASE! be somebody who likes to work on mechanical & electric machinery.....If you dont have the passion and aptitude....you'll be miserable
Local 21 is the lowest in the iuec per there cost of living in there area. Other locals make more but dfw has exploded in cost of living the past 15yrs and isnt up to par. Most members would agree with me
Naval Station Norfolk - biggest navy base on earth; elevators in numerous buildings are always broken. Ppl have gotten hurt from elevators literally falling, old workers either take the stairs or stay home. NAVFAC (Naval Facilities) has a team of elevator mechanics who can’t fix shit!!! I don’t know what they earn - but they don’t deserve it.
Actually, professional insulators make almost twice as much as the mid pay elevator techs in the USA. My highest pay was $72 per hour in Montgomery Alabama for a company call Williamson Industries inc. I promise you all I miss that job twice as much as people here think I am lying. lol Nope, unfortunately it is true and I cut my own head off at that job. So no future there anymore.
It’s not all about the money per hour the value of the pension hours is really big in the long run a journey man elevator Mechanic knows several trades just my opinion ….
If his education of all trades reflects his pension. Why tf wouldn’t it correlate to his pay. Ur stupid how the hell did this even come up in ur algorithm
Yes, you make that kind of money by spending your life on the job site. I work for airline, some overtime once in while make $170,000 a year. My friends working more ot make $240,000 thousand so elevator mechanics is nothing plus going to scholl for 4 years.
Why not pay them the most? Think about the alternatives. Maybe YOU want to ride on that elevator. Why can't a welder or pipefitter just go fix an elevator? You say they apprentice longer. Go ahead. Go ride the elevator that a plumber fixed.
I dropped the hour in the trash and left when he asked why elevator mechanics make so much money and the first word out of his mouth wasn't "union". Business rep for Local 21 my ass. No, your education doesn't mean squat, or these college degrees would outpay you. Tired of this shit.
@@Buciiiothis is true, lots of people don’t do there research, this trade is very organized and setup well, it’s just about acing that test and interview.
Did anybody else pick up this guy? I've been in the warehouse as most of my adult life till you're 25. So you did 5 years in the f****** Warehouse. 5 years is most of your adult life. Get a grip. That's hilarious
It's true the IUEC is generally the top paid trade....but, as I joked to my fellow Mechanic friend when he put me on the spot...asking me....Any advice for these young mechanics for a long sucrssful career...I said well Don...if I had it to do all over again...I might ask to be "reincarnated" as an Electrician or Plumber next time....My friend gasped....said we make the most $$$....Yeah Don....we do but, you have friends that are electricians & plumbers....They live as well as we do....BECAUSE! They have a skill where they can do "side jobs" for CASH! if they want to....The IRS knows about every cent we make!....You aren't doing any side jobs in the IUEC....too much complexity and liabilities in that industry. Great career but, any trade is a good place for a talented person with motivation to use their brains & skills.
I worked security at pfizer many years ago, anytime an elevator had issues we had to call elevator guys anytime of night they would show up gladly. Now i know why, they're rollin in the dough!
Local 74 tampa. Im a probation in my first 6 months of elevators. Best job i have ever had. The guys are happy to be there, wanting to teach and pass on knowledge. Im in mod and love the challenge.
why are you all so mean to the other tradies though?
Nice to know. I'm #2 on the list in naples. I am also next to be called any day now. Can not wait.
Awesome man! Waiting for my test for local 71 Miami..
@@Paulk305 did you get called?
@eltonkimes8603 still waiting right now brotha... never thought it would take so long being #2.... I also applied for Miami. Waiting for interview
The elevator industry is cut throat. If your dad or uncle didn’t work in it or if you don’t look like “them” it’s very hard to get a job let alone keep a job in this industry. Plus look up residential elevator installers in your area. They make 15hr…….
I spent 8 years in this trade, it taught me a lot but it’s worse than the mafia.
This is just my experience….
That post contradicts your handle...
@@TruckngirlI respect your opinion but I also disagree. The truth isn’t always positive and I do live in reality.
Yeah I'm gonna stick with welding. At least there's levels of pay and not being either union making 200k a year or 15$ hour with nothing in between.
@@danielmartin531 from my experience I’d say that’s a good idea! Best of luck to you!!
I am a rigging and heavy haul general foreman we mostly work for the power company almost all of the guys who work for me make between 100 to 140 a year and Forman from 150 to over 200 a year The trades are where it’s at now I tell young people learn become a valuable employee. Learn everything you can.
Just passed my mechanics exam June 3.IUEC FOR LIFE!!
Heck yeah! Congrats!
I always heard elevator mechanics made good money. If I could roll the calendar back 40 years...
I got a kick out of you two talking about residential elevators and it's impact on you about wealth. I work in a lot of rich areas - Palm Beach, Jupiter Island, Manalapan, Boca Raton. I see quite a few houses with elevators. Some are uber wealthy, some are just above average. What really gets me is the artwork some of these people have. That's what shows the separation between the really big money, the wealthy, and the rest of us.
They make the most because their union is the strongest and the best.
Probably because it’s tiny and a monopoly at this point lol! We need those unions
@@whateverwhenever8170 hahaha I have been known to do same thing. It’s sad you have to do that shit and 9 times out of 10 it’s just someone not doing their job right or being lazy or normal robbing Peter to pay Paul
In a lot of northern states that’s the case. In some states it’s not wise as companies will only hire non union labor and get around unionization by doing yearly shutdowns and layoffs. Crazy I know, but just be careful.
Definitely not because they deserve it. As the saying goes “You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate!”
Worked automotive 6 years.. Covid came and I went to forklift repair, best swap I ever made.
It's so true . My ex neighbor , who passed away was killing it for years. Then he started his own company and really made big $.
I asked him how busy he stayed, how was business in general . For real , he replied "It was up and down " He either had a dry sense of humor or didn't even realize the pun. Didn't even crack a smile. But he was quite old at that time.
So glad to have gotten into this after the military and fire.
Same
I wish I knew about this when I got out of the military, but I’ve taken all my tests and done all my interviews and number 13 on the list with only a few left in front of me so I can’t wait to get started
I remember in high school i was working construction and the foreman for the elevator crew asked me if i wanted an internship...
All the guys who i worked with told me i shouldn't get into that line of work and get a white collar job.
I should have taken thay internship. I make good money now, but it took about 12 years to get here. I could have gotten a much earlier start in my career at 18 instead
That was another issue at least for us millennials...it wasn't just high school and parents pushing college and white collar work. Even the tradesmen were telling anyone interested in trades to stay in school and away from blue collar work.
I’ve, in the last 40 years, had the pleasure of working with many talented hardworking tradesmen, union and nonunion. I don’t however believe that elevator mechanics make the most and have the best benefits because they are the “most educated “ as this guy claims. I do believe that they have the best union. Btw, have a friend who spent his career with Otis. He is a competent tradesman that knows his s$&t like all the others great tradesmen I have been lucky enough to have met and worked with. Just my humble opinion.
Well…they are the highest paid on jobs
Otis and Kone here in CT, got a friend and a friends father and his son in it, damn wait list is like 5,000 long, if u have an uncle in it, it got my friend moved up to the top 100 in the wait list. Lol
Yea 😂 I’m a non union high pressure vessel fabricator and just got a 18k bonus check 😂 🤷🏻🫡
How do you know they have the best union? Have you personally read every other unions MOU? Doubt it.
They probably do based on the after hours rate of pay,
Had an online friend years back who happened to be an elevator mechanic. I'd know him for a bit before he told me what he did and how much he made, and when he did i was kinda shocked. It always stuck in my mind so when i saw the title to this video he's what i thought of.
Proud to be an Elevator Journeyman!
28:40 “ill work circles around these guys” Mannnn I tell yah I done heard that shit from several guys in their early fifties in the trades everytime they are the “new hire” in the shop and rarely do they work circles around anyone, they just work like everybody else but talk more shit for literally no reason 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Don’t hate congratulate! 😂
Its called gate keeping and thell do anything to uphold their little world.
@natenate2280 lol. Right? I know the type. Im 50 and see guys my age fall out all the time, We Roofers, are a different breed though.. XD
@internetpointsbank Sometimes, the younger ones are just weak. Some trades don't have time to coddle them. Just the facts and all.
@@internetpointsbankSounds like you might have a skill issue.
I’ve always told my guys that being an elevator mechanic pays the best, and when they retire they can become inspectors or consultants. I know what I pay my elevator contracts, and they are the most out of all my contracts.
That goes with almost every trade…
I’m 17 i’m going into my senior year and I want to become an Elevator Mechanic after high school. Do you have any advice for me?
@hotterthann take it seriously and truly want it. I'm a firm believer that if you want something be willing to reach out and take it. Be prompt, don't complain and ask questions.
My Dad had 27 years in local 10 elevator union out of Washington DC, and in 2000, when I turned 18, he was begging me to get in. My dumbass was working for a floor company close to home, making a decent wage, and turned it down. Today, I kick myself in the ass because I would have 24 years in working to a hell of a retirement. I put 12 years in flooring even though I did gainfully learn a trade, but flooring is probably the hardest strain on the body. Now I'm broke up with a class A CDL driving local school buses.
How bout sprinkler fitters.. you should shine some light on us.. most people don’t even know what it is
I designed sprinkler systems while in college. Great part time job.
plumbers with no skills
You’re a sprinkler fitter…not hard to figure out what the job is. 😂😂😂
@@taharqa332 go ask the majority of the population what a sprinkler fitter does… I guarantee you most people don’t know unless you’re in construction… but you can ask most of the population. What a plumber or an electrician does and they know…
@@taharqa332Probably making sure enough sprinkles fit on a donut, not a bad job for sure
Good luck getting in.
Just have to test well. I didnt know anyone but went in on test day and passed then interview. Hired next day. I placed 4th out of 600 applicants
The new gen is constantly on there cell phones and they think it’s ok because the boss isn’t around, and u wonder why they don’t get anything done. Now as to wages, in the SF Bay Area, elev mechanics make at least 75 to 80 bucks an hour not including benies! Forman, 10 bucks more.
Just take aptitude test I hope I get an interview so excited
hard to get in the elevator union. no one retires, lol
Shipping Captains median age is 58 😂😅 met the youngest at 27 😮❤
Got in the trade when construction was going strong in a big city . Then when work gets slack and you want to get back to your little home town yeah you are right. No retirement ? No deaths ? Yeah hard to find work… lots of travel . Harder than most trades to get into.
@@roberthicks9191 can’t in this economy
You asked all the question I would’ve wanted to know. Good video
They say nobody has the drive to do the trades right after they say they have 500 people apply and end up taking 124. The problem isnt always the applicants but the companies and unions who act like their jobs are special. Lets face it, for the most part anyone can be an elevator me mechanic. As long as you are somewhat mechanically inclined and are willing to do a 4 year course. I mean just listen to this guy, worked in warehouses then was offered to fet into this field. You dont need to be a rocket scientist.
You're right that anyone can be in a trade as long as they are willing to learn and work hard...But don't you think that out of those 500 maybe only 124 of them showed drive or were willing to do the 4 year course? That's also a big problem, getting enough people in a trade that ACTUALLY care...
65 pension years. That is about $100k a year pension pay out.
Im retiring from the Army and want to get into this field. I've always been fascinated by the concept and designs
Some of the opportunities you miss when you're young! 79'-80' Iwas 18yrs old, on a fluke went to a test day for Otis elevator in Portland, Or. Apparently I'd scored second out of a lot of guys there. Found the test easy and interesting. Kept getting calls to come back, blew it off. If only I knew then what I know now!!
Hey. Don't kick yourself, my man. Millions of us missed the opportunities when we were young. I was good at school, graduated 12th in class, college easy but did not graduate. But while in high school, I still remember getting a brochure about diesel mechanics. I wanted to do it but everyone around me was pushing for science, doctor or lawyer.
@@eoleol4750 Lol, somehow it works out. I ended up building and owning a large insurance agency. Hope all went well for you.
We have that same saying in auto mechanics doing plumbing electrical and doing measurements thinner than your hair soo go to auto school for the 1 or 2 years than elevator school then open your own business in under 5 years
I really enjoyed this video. I wish I knew about this trade when I got out of the Air Force back in 97
I wish these videos were around 10 years ago before started automotive. It’s crazy how little we make compared to all the other trades. I’d love to get into the elevator trade but it seems impossible due to how small the union is.
A lot of you guys are looking at the public payscale for wages most journeyed mechanics are making over-scale… scale is just the minimum they can get paid. Ive talked to quite a few mechanics in a low cost of living areas making 15-25$ an hour over scale.
Elevator jobs are dicey. Since they are always up and down.
Goat
$2500 per year membership fees in exchange for millions in retirement.
Blet locomotive engineer here 63.77hr !
Been in the elevator industry 44 years and still going strong gave up the OT for the next generation
Union dues are
$740 per quarter no sick days or PTOs 12 paid holidays Cadillac insurance
Been blessed with this job since 1980
No PTO at all or what do you mean, I placed 8 out of 300 in Iowa so I’m curious and trying to get insight more because I’m very excited.
Remember no matter what you do don't train any young guy. Us boomers have a reputation to uphold. These young kids are lazy.
@@internetpointsbankI’m 21 worked hard to ranked high on the recruitment list, did lots of certification classes to come stacked and worked for public works which gave me great experience. Am I lazy? I think certain people made it seem like we are that, but there’s a good group of us hard working young people.
@@OmarHernandez-gv6nu He is correct, no PTO. If you want to self-fund your own time off, then you can. They will take a bit off each check to equal a weeks pay or whatever you want. That way you can still take the days off and get a normal check the next week despite not actually get PTO from an employer.
@@genuismensa okay thanks for clearing that, I’ve been trying to get a lot more info on the trade works so I can prepare myself. I worked hard for this it’s my dream career.
My brother in law worked for Ottis elevator in Detroit was the lead guy for metro airport expansion the last 2yrs on that job he worked 12hr shifts 7 days a week his base rate was 75 per hour he made
It's demand for the job and the fact there is no competition from the private sector so the Union can leverage that. Good on those hard working guys, but trying the put valuation on skilled labor based on pay is foolish. I couldn't repair an elevator but as a machinist I could make any part they need to do their job.
Im 30, have my own heavy equipment repair business. I also do over the phone consulting
What courses would you recommend to get into that?
People who can sell in the trades make the most money. Plumbers and hvac techs. Know guys who pull in 400k a year
Also saw a guy sell 8 mill in one year and more than likely he gets 10percent
@@miguelespino6087 techs can do sales? They don't have sales teams? Also is this residential?
@@notyourtypicalfarah7194 yes they can. Helps them sell more as well since they are already their diagnosing the problem. Also some companies do have a sales team as well.
I quit school 16 year old. 20 years ago i got my machine operating certificate and what you call CDL. And on a good year i take in 70-90k a year. If i would buy my own machine and do like a taxi work on a crane i could do even more...
I almost joined in SF California. The money comes from the skill required and the danger level. Also, it’s a big money item to have and maintain.
*tradesmen who go out in their own make the most
Not when that piece of elevator equipment fails and your being sued for something that might not have been your fault....You'd have been better off to be a painter then🤣
It's not just wanting to work. It's wanting to be home with your family and enjoy thr money you make. I've been an aircraft mechanic for twenty years. It's intreat in the job, it's knowing that the job is there. Because yes four years of schooling and you can make 300k as a pilot. They have forced retirement age. So not as simple and as great as they like to make it out.
I work with kids talking about trades etc in nyc schools . Not much I can tell them about elevator mechanics because it’s like a gated community . But if your blessed to get in God bless you . Maybe there’s a way to learn the trade without a hook of some sort but I have never heard of one .
Close to $200k/year working on elevators…and no student loans.
Holy crap…
I am a High School dropout.and am estatic I refused to stay in school. I simi retired at 35.
The NEIEP apprenticeship is a 5 year program now.
In Canada steel framers doing corridors and ceiling or units Make 5k a week piece …
Lineman are the highest paid tradesmen. Out here in California 74 per hour straight time and all overtime is doubletime. Not uncommon to make 600k plus
Damn 600k is 100hrs a week at 50 weeks
@notyourtypicalfarah7194 yeah and a lot of that is fatigue pay, they work nights then "fatigue out" during there regular shift 0700-1530
great content, keep up the good work, great conversations stay bless.
Thank you!
I respect both sides all he said was he had to work for somebody and this generation is more of starting business and creating jobs especially when ppl future depend on negotiations instead of necessity and skill
Talking about the guy who is 65 and has 65 years worth of pension is so sad. The guy will never see the fruits of his labor and will die and some union will just mark that credit off the books. Its crazy sad if you really think about it.
Does the elevator union take lateral transfers from the electrical union and piping trades and build up their education in what they are deficient on?
Nope, it might help you get higher on the list. But thats about it.
Yup exactly what he said. I just interviewed for the local here in Ohio. 23 years old. Started at mcds when I was 16, moved to warehouse work, now asphalt 2 years. I got ranked 40th out of I wanna say 180. I won’t get the call in the next 2 years. Not discouraged but motivated now. The guy who interviewed me knows who I am( he’s the boss to family in the industry). He was very honest with me and said I’m under qualified, I’ll make the list but not as high as guys like you. Have that certificate, take pics of at home projects; and I mean ANYTHING working on ur car, Redoing the bathrooms, ur best projects at work! Take pics my man they want them in the interview.
So it doesn’t translate but man does it look good. Good luck brother.
Aptitude tests he mentioned to get the interview are extremely easy. Doesn’t go as high as 7th grade math. Fractions, decimals, simplifying them, adding them. Reading is easy. I will say have a very basic understanding of water pressure, levers and gearing (direction of turn) and how that works.
OHSA 10 and cpr certificates are a must. Get in there my man
Im a journeyman electrician. I was blessed and ranked number one. But to put into perspective. My 19 yr old brother in law got ranked 25 with no experience in any trade, better than some union journeymen that ranked 40 or worse. Its not about the experience. Its about the interview. Record your self. Get fluid with your speech, get fluid with the questions, dig deep to the core of the question. Do not try and make a connection with elevators. Just aim to hit the core of the interview questions. Its hard for alot of people but it definitely is possible.
My 19yr old brother in law had me to help him prep but we didnt lie. We just used his experience to hit the root of the question. And he ended up placed higher than alot of tradesmen.
@@montestreet2505 ....Hmm....35 year IUEC member here....Depending on which direction your carrer goes.....You will need some good math skills for electronics and calculations especially if you want to the "top dog" in Constrution known as an Adjuster....The person who does the final programming and tuning of an elevator system.....I had college level Electronics Classes and there are simular requirements to be sucessful in areas of the IUEC....Never enjoyed "running rails" or setting machine beams walking the high steel of a 40+ story building in my career but, kept a roof over my head when I had to. I enjoyed working on ajusting crews and field service troubleshooting in my later years of employment in the IUEC
You have to go through thier full 4 year apprenticship unless you worked for a manufacturer of equipment in a position like engineering. The few guys I worked around who entered the IUEC as an "Article 10" usually showed large deficiencies in some aspects of our trade. One smart engineer was assigned to me on a huge hi-rise building. I was told by my job foreman....This guy is NOT! an IUEC member....your his boss! Legend had it that he was working in NYC and they first fired up a new technology elevator system....began moving up the building without putting proper compensating weight value on the platform....soon...PHYSICS took over and 2-3tons of steel was racing towards the top of the building and when it CRASHED! there was tens of thousands of $$$'s in resulting damage....luckilly no injuries.
Takes about 10 years of retirement pay outs to get the money out that you put in .how many retire and live 10 years.? What are the stats on those members?
That’s a good question
thinking ahead
You’re misinformed, our hourly rate in the electrical utilities industry is quite a bit more than these elevator guys. All over time is double time and our per diem is $125 a day no matter where we work.
Are you comparing your rate to the elevators in your area? In my city a lineman in utility is at 48.35 and an elevators mechanic is at 57.68.
@@Buciiioblet locomotive engineer here 63.77hr
Im an entrtainment rigger for 6 months oit of the year. I make $38 per hr and anything over 8 hrs in a day is overtime. We work 16 hr days 4 days a week. That is pocket change compared to the $160 pr hr I make blowing glass for the remainder of the year.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to go onto become an elevator mechanic but have no idea where to start any help?
Salaries are going up for elevator mechanics. If you ask for a raise, they can go higher. Definitely a career on the ascent. I wonder how long it takes to get to the top? (ok I'll stop now😊)
The tough part is the nepotism in this trade. Can’t get in unless you know someone.
Im in Local 300😎👍 Go Union's !!
together we can negotiate better
I gotta take the exam in 3 weeks
Are you confident about it?
$53/hr for Journeyman is not the highest out of the trades. I’m a Union Powerhouse Mechanic and I’m at $61.29/hr as a max’d out journeyman. Wage’s are mostly public knowledge on the local’s website… the title of this video is misleading. Also elevator mechanics don’t have any side work unlike most of the other trades. Good talk otherwise.
$53 is just Dallas local. It goes into the high $70’s. It’s public information
@@UNIONDOLLAR how does one become a powerhouse mechanic?
In DFW, Union fitter scale is 38ish an hour
It’s weird that the average salary in most states is under 50k
Good wages but he shouldn't claim it's the highest paid trade. As an equipment operator in the linemans union I make the same hourly plus 50 a day "tool rent", which I bring no tools, all are provided by the company.. journeyman lineman make about 60 an hour. Foremans make 65+. These are upstate ny rates.
Definitely the highest paid trade. Texas is the lowest paying in the mid 50s. Chicago is 70+
Carpenters are making $45 per hour and handymen start at $100 and that’s in North Carolina.
Nationally the elevator union has like 90% market share for the elevator industry, most of the other trades like electricians plumbers etc. its less than 50%. Lineman also have a high rate of union membership and they make a lot more than most other trades as well.
Great point!
I made 130k last year with per diem as a non union apprentice in the fly over states. The dream is still alive for those that want to work.
Journeyman pay with power company in the southeast is 51/hr and all the OT you want.
@joemay1200 yeah im on a prevailing right now, about 52/hour for laborers and apprentices.
@@jamesross160what trade and what's the starting wage for the apprenticeship?
Roger, Local 100 got rid of the 35 year cap last year(2023) I have now 30 years credit there. I have often thought about going from HVAC side of things to elevator mechanic. Doing the HVAC I’ve done most of what they have. Welding, wiring, running pipe, rigging, machining, building your own tools to do a job. I do love the job, I love working on the most complicated challenging problems & resolving it. Retrofitting panels & drives to machines that were not intended to have it. 9 out of 10 people will not make the cut that we hire. They just give up.
Aww shucks my pair of wire stretchers just broke. I suppose I'll just keep welding.
I feel the same show your kids your work they say ya I know you will show more in ten minutes but I hope he remembers everything I've done ,he should be in the elevator trade he's 14 now ill be talking elevators to him hopefully he will join you zach
I would love for this guy to come with me to work for one day as an aircraft mechanic. try reading the electrical schematics of a jumbo jet or even try and figure out how to get one wheel off without killing yourself..
Well he isn't an aircraft mechanic so I'm sure he would fail. Just like I'm sure you'd fail at properly fixing an elevator. Not sure what your point is?
Where does elevator mechanics market themselves ? How can one find one of these guys?
look up IUEC the International Union of Elevator Constructors but, PLEASE! be somebody who likes to work on mechanical & electric machinery.....If you dont have the passion and aptitude....you'll be miserable
Local 21 is the lowest in the iuec per there cost of living in there area. Other locals make more but dfw has exploded in cost of living the past 15yrs and isnt up to par. Most members would agree with me
I'd join just to get one of them schnazzy Dr Who union shirts (and to pay the bills)😅
It's the greatest trade
8:01 53 in tx
37:01 100 total pak
Lots of ups and downs in that trade.
How about someone who is 43? I do IT and just not happy...
You’re never too old to start! That’s what I talk about in half our interviews!
❤ this is epic
Sounds like someone put the cart before the horse. Good job first: then start a family.
Naval Station Norfolk - biggest navy base on earth; elevators in numerous buildings are always broken. Ppl have gotten hurt from elevators literally falling, old workers either take the stairs or stay home. NAVFAC (Naval Facilities) has a team of elevator mechanics who can’t fix shit!!! I don’t know what they earn - but they don’t deserve it.
It's like being a civil draftsman/designer for mining, is hard to come by someone like us. It's a unique specialty.
They are also the slowest and the worse to deal with, especially if you're trying to join their union.
Sounds like an up and down job. But he is right, kids these days don't want to learn to use their hands, they want a desk job that pays 100g a year.
Actually, professional insulators make almost twice as much as the mid pay elevator techs in the USA. My highest pay was $72 per hour in Montgomery Alabama for a company call Williamson Industries inc. I promise you all I miss that job twice as much as people here think I am lying. lol
Nope, unfortunately it is true and I cut my own head off at that job. So no future there anymore.
It’s not all about the money per hour the value of the pension hours is really big in the long run a journey man elevator Mechanic knows several trades just my opinion ….
If his education of all trades reflects his pension. Why tf wouldn’t it correlate to his pay. Ur stupid how the hell did this even come up in ur algorithm
I've seen several elevator mechanics at my work. None of them impressed me.
Be an operator make over 200 and seasonal
Take a shot every time good, and job are said 😂
They bern toy facility 50 times this year and never fix the elevator.
The only one the Mexicans haven't taken over
I’m Mexican and got placed 8th on the recruitment list
Yes, you make that kind of money by spending your life on the job site. I work for airline, some overtime once in while make $170,000 a year. My friends working more ot make $240,000 thousand so elevator mechanics is nothing plus going to scholl for 4 years.
What do you do for the airline?
cojones jajaja
this podcast was entertaining
thanks for sharing
Why not pay them the most? Think about the alternatives. Maybe YOU want to ride on that elevator. Why can't a welder or pipefitter just go fix an elevator? You say they apprentice longer. Go ahead. Go ride the elevator that a plumber fixed.
That’s a video!
I dropped the hour in the trash and left when he asked why elevator mechanics make so much money and the first word out of his mouth wasn't "union". Business rep for Local 21 my ass. No, your education doesn't mean squat, or these college degrees would outpay you. Tired of this shit.
Do you know how you can tell an elevator mechanic at a barbecue ?don’t worry he’ll tell you
Sounds like a lot of indoctrination and exclusivity.
100% my thoughts exactly! This is exactly the reason they can’t find anyone…
I disagree. I just got accepted, and i knew no one. I just applied, gave it my best and ranked really well.
@@Buciiio Just give it a few months… You’ll see.
@@Buciiiothis is true, lots of people don’t do there research, this trade is very organized and setup well, it’s just about acing that test and interview.
Did anybody else pick up this guy? I've been in the warehouse as most of my adult life till you're 25. So you did 5 years in the f****** Warehouse. 5 years is most of your adult life. Get a grip. That's hilarious
Elevator guys are the premadonnas on the job. Everybody hates them 😂
It's true the IUEC is generally the top paid trade....but, as I joked to my fellow Mechanic friend when he put me on the spot...asking me....Any advice for these young mechanics for a long sucrssful career...I said well Don...if I had it to do all over again...I might ask to be "reincarnated" as an Electrician or Plumber next time....My friend gasped....said we make the most $$$....Yeah Don....we do but, you have friends that are electricians & plumbers....They live as well as we do....BECAUSE! They have a skill where they can do "side jobs" for CASH! if they want to....The IRS knows about every cent we make!....You aren't doing any side jobs in the IUEC....too much complexity and liabilities in that industry. Great career but, any trade is a good place for a talented person with motivation to use their brains & skills.
Good point. IUEC guys all have to drive a lot or live in a dense urban area too. Plumbers have work everywhere
Wilson Daniel Brown Anthony Clark Larry
Blue collar love talking about how much they make
Most educated until generator guy shows up
How so?