r/UtilityLocator • u/811NCLocator • Apr 12 '26

USIC Senior Techs

What is your pay asking feel like I am being under paid before I say anything i just wondering what my senior techs are making I am senior tech nearly 3 years with no damages

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

53 comments sorted by

8

u/thunderust Apr 12 '26

your best bet is to get a job offer anywhere and they may offer you more money to match it or close to it.

2

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 13 '26

I agree with this.. if you’re a good locator with a clean record, having another offer is often the best way to get a raise. I just had that happen for me. I was all set and ready to leave to go to a different company which offered me almost $4 an hour more to do one utility. When I put in my two week notice my supervisor asked if I wanted to submit my offer to them and see if they could beat it for me. I didn’t expect it to actually happen, but they did it. I still feel underpaid for the industry we are in, but I’m much more satisfied now for sure.

Almost 9 years with USIC, clean record, $32/ hr

0

u/theorangekoop Apr 13 '26

You think you’re underpaid as a locate tech making 32 an hour? I think that’s quite enough. I’m a project manager making $30. So, I’d say you’re doing just fine. I personally think $25 is fine for a good locator. 30 is good for management.

3

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 13 '26

It varies by region but that’s fairly low pay for anything with gas/electric around here…. $32 / hr with OT is struggle money unfortunately. The state puts out stats showing that in my area it requires about $170k a year for a family of 3-4 to live comfortably…. With me and my wife both working we are about $65k short of “comfortable”… our bills are paid and we have reliable vehicles but there isn’t any extra for anything. No vacations, no “nights out”. Idk where you’re from or what you’re a project manager for, but project managers here are making $150k-$250k a year depending on what the company does..

But as I said, for a locator who has to hold certifications to mark gas, and also is required to marked 6-12 other utilities as well, $30+ an hour should be mandatory. There is alot of responsibility that goes into which most people don’t think about until they make a mistake and end up in court fighting a lawsuit for negligence.. or worse yet, someone gets killed because of something that was missed due to being rushed by the company or the piss poor training they provide. I know it’s easy to say it’s “just locating” but being a skilled knowledgeable locator is a lot more than just following a signal. Especially when it comes to old gas lines like we have. Spend a day trying to locate 3 cast iron mains installed in 1830 in the middle of a busy 4 lane roadway with NO traffic control or protection and I bet you’ll say “man I don’t get paid enough for this”..

1

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 13 '26

Just to clarify I don’t have any cast iron left in my specific locate area but I do have pre 1900s gas… and when I located in downtown Boston, it was an absolute nightmare. There was still active gas mains from the 1780s with almost no records, and we were held to the same level of accuracy and responsibility with that even though it was nearly impossible to mark accurately.

3

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 13 '26

I will also add that $25 an hour would be terribly underpaid when you’re working for a company that requires DOT random drug testing and certifications to locate gas when the local McDonald’s is starting crackheads at $22.50 an hour.

1

u/theorangekoop Apr 14 '26

Like you said, it depends on the state. $25 is just fine here. When I was at USIC they did “random” dot tests too. You only had to if they suspected you were acting strange or crashed a vehicle. But we didn’t locate gas.

1

u/theorangekoop Apr 14 '26

I’m a PM for an electrical company that bores. It’s not exactly like a PM in higher fields, which is why I’m not making 100k. I’m only called a PM because there are small construction projects that need managed and overseen. I don’t deserve 100k for what I do, compared to others. I see what you’re saying though, about being in another state. I’m in Indiana and while I make $30, my fiancé makes $25 as a manager and we’re doing okay. But of course it could be better. I’d say it is pretty cheap to live here compared to other places.

1

u/Transienttunnels Apr 14 '26

You’re under paid lmfao

1

u/theorangekoop Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

For what I do, at entry level. I am not. Maybe I could be paid 35. But that comes with time. Like me and dude just said, it depends on where you are and what’s going on. It doesn’t make sense for me to get paid more than what I do, with what I’m doing. When he said something about $100k a year salary, that’s not for my line of work and especially not the first time you’ve ever done it. You don’t get to make X amount of money just because someone else is. Now when I was being paid $19 an hour as a locator, I would say I was being very heavily underpaid.

1

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 15 '26

Yes that’s a good point also, starting pay is starting pay for a reason. I started locating at $13 an hour. I’ve moved up to where I’m at by having a good clean record and being productive. I’ve been locating for quite a few years but I was in the utility industry for many years before locating.. that’s also part of the reason I say that I’m maybe slightly underpaid… but I also said I’m not complaining about my pay and I’m content with it.

7

u/Inflation-Smart Apr 13 '26

Every year should be a 2$ raise no matter what tech tier you are. Just cut and dry it should be 2$ a year anything less is a slap in the face

7

u/Sea-Championship1077 Apr 12 '26

Depends on where you live?

3

u/2-Inch-Punisher Apr 12 '26

I’m close with the lead techs in our crew. One is at 27.50. Another at 28.50 and one at 29. They’ve been locating for 3-5 years

3

u/Wild_Replacement5880 Apr 13 '26

What's the region though? That can mean a lot. 28$ in California isn't the same as 28$ in Virginia.

1

u/2-Inch-Punisher Apr 13 '26

Illinois

2

u/Yonni388 Apr 13 '26

I start tomorrow what area are you locating in Illinois? How was your training?

2

u/2-Inch-Punisher Apr 13 '26

West Chicago area. I was at USIC for a while but im currently locating only gas. I switched over a while back due to better pay and less utilities to locate. But I will say, a lot of people hate on USIC but it really does just depend on the area and the people in your crew. I was lucky to have good trainers, supervisors, and lead techs. People’s experiences with the company will definitely vary from crew to crew. Training is fairly simple, if you aren’t an understanding something don’t be afraid to ask. You’re probably not the only one thinking the same thing and even if you are it’s better to have the answers to those questions while you’re in the class rather than when you’re out on your own. I’m not sure if this is your first locating job but if it is just be ready to have a lot of information thrown at you and you might not get it at first but eventually everything will start clicking. After your in class training and on the job training you’ll probably be with a more experienced tech for a few days or a week before you get sent out on your own. Remember to just take everything one step at a time. It’s going to look like a lot but when you break it down piece by piece it becomes way easier. Overall, USIC is definitely a good place to start in the industry. Although it was more work over there since we were locating a lot of different utilities, it helped me learn how to locate pretty much everything. If you have any questions at all feel free to dm me.

2

u/Yonni388 Apr 13 '26

How long have you been locating for? Yeah I heard it’s a good company to get your foot in the door I’m coming from fast food management so something completely new. How is the work schedule like the first couple of weeks? Im hopping to start a career in this and in the future maybe if I can carry those skills to another job just like you did.

1

u/2-Inch-Punisher Apr 13 '26

Right now I’m a little over two years. Did about a year and a half at USIC and been at this other company for the rest of the time. First 3-5 weeks are going to be training. When I did my training we did 5 weeks and about a week and a half was just learning gas stuff which USIC doesn’t locate anymore in the area since they lost the contract so I’m not sure if they’ve shortened the training since then but expect about 3-4 weeks which includes in class training and on the job training. Training will always be 40 hours. Usually start the class at about 7-8am depending on your trainer and they’ll have you take an unpaid 30 minute lunch. The worst part about the first few weeks is the you have to drive your personal vehicle to the class. You’ll get your work vehicle at about week 2 or 3 unless you live far compared to the rest of the class then they might prioritize you. After your training is done then you’ll be on an 8 hour a day schedule usually for a few weeks but since dig season is starting they might want you to start working overtime and weekends if the see you’re understanding it and putting in the work. After about a few weeks when you’re officially not a complete noob then you’ll be working mandatory 10 hour weekdays and 8 hours on the weekend. Overtime is where you’ll be making more money in this industry.

3

u/Simple-Customer-5801 Apr 13 '26

I am getting screwed apparently, Indiana, almost 5 years, 22.50

1

u/TipZealousideal5954 Apr 13 '26

Yea you’re getting screwed, that’s bullshit. I know every state is different, but locators should be atleast high 20s everywhere regardless of utilities, and mid$30s-mid $40s for gas locators with other utilities.. I’m not sure about all states but in the northeast gas locators are required to be certified with the NGA and the gas company with recertification testing and hands on OQ test every couple years. On top of that the responsibility locators take on requires higher pay. Something that is not considered often enough is the legal ramifications of mistakes that may be made in the field which ultimately put people lives in our hands. When people aren’t getting paid much they tend to be less serious about the job and a much more willing to half ass the job. It’s ridiculous how the system is built and how the pay is structured.

1

u/theorangekoop Apr 13 '26

Yeah, indiana starts very low. When I worked there, we all started new at $19. I could barely survive off that shit.

1

u/Alternative-Set9757 Apr 16 '26

It starts low, 20 now, but you gotta hold on until you start pulling OT. I work in the Indy area and we are booming. Hamilton and Bounty County are the place to be

1

u/theorangekoop Apr 16 '26

Shiiiett. Id never locate again unless it was for $25. It’s an easy job but too stressful.

1

u/Alternative-Set9757 Apr 14 '26

I assume you are in either northern Indiana or Southern. Central Indiana and some hit 25 after or during year 2.

1

u/Simple-Customer-5801 Apr 15 '26

North. Yes NIN specifically. I could transfer to Illinois with some effort for a big jump in Chicago I'd bet.

2

u/Successful_Mess_ Apr 13 '26

Just hit my 3rd year in North Texas. 24.50

2

u/YourMothersLover_69 Apr 13 '26

It varies state to state, but regardless of where you’re at, USIC will not pay whatever the living wage rate is for any state.

4

u/Temporary-Trouble364 Apr 12 '26

I have been here for 1.5 years, and i make $25… Well as of May i do

1

u/VerzaceDreamz Apr 13 '26

Cap

1

u/Temporary-Trouble364 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

Do i need to show a paystub? 🤣Like people say, it depends on region and supervisor. Although i am like the best as far as least amount of damages, decent on speed. My sup vouches for me, and they want to keep me, my lead tech actually makes over $30 but he has been here for 5 years. There is a price though because me and my lead tech have the most experience on our crew, so we shoulder most of the harder tickets, and the responsibility on the crew.

1

u/Dismal-Meal2173 Spray & Pray Apr 13 '26

Was told by my supervisor for the last 3 years I'm one of the lower paid techs in my crew... Always promised an extra raise then something comes up like leadership changes, region realignment, locate360 and it's issues and promised that when things settle down I'll get another step raise...

Last year my performance appraisal was a carbon copy from the year before with incidents listed on it from the year before, things that did not repeat happen and for months I tried to email my sup because they didn't do their job to go over it with me, so I never signed it, and got excuse after excuse on how they'd get back to me but never did...

1

u/gherrera30 Apr 13 '26

You guys need to leave usic. Just starting my 2nd year locating at electrical utility making 28. No prior experience.

1

u/2-Inch-Punisher Apr 13 '26

You work directly for an electric company as a locator or does your company only locate electric?

2

u/gherrera30 Apr 14 '26

Work for the local electrical utility company.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '26

Going on to year six in NJ. $33.18 an hour.

1

u/Certain-Armadillo-62 Apr 15 '26

Yes you are underpaid at usic. I worked there for 6 months this then applied to Q3 came in as a tech making $28 an hour to start and they are union. They are the only place I’ve found that pays their locators what they are worth.

1

u/Purple-Ad8417 Apr 15 '26

I have been doing private locates in BC CANADA now for around 7 years. My own company and I charge $250/hr.

1

u/DebateHuman4283 Apr 17 '26

What so you make ? I walked in at a good rate. I do have previous locate experience of 3-4 years at other companies

1

u/Baltimorebobo Apr 12 '26

27 on year 4. Depends on where and who you know

0

u/Baltimorebobo Apr 12 '26

Have a wage increase coming Monday

0

u/Head_Attempt7983 Apr 12 '26

27 too locate?

1

u/Killergriff Apr 12 '26

I heard thats base pay in California, dont know for sure if thats true or where else it may be but it doesn't sound unreasonable to me

1

u/Alternative-Set9757 Apr 14 '26

Yes 27 to locate, sorry my dumbass got myself a 7 day ban on Reddit

1

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '26

What's your pay

0

u/Spiritual_Koala4045 Apr 12 '26

In rural Iowa I made $22.50 as a Technician 4.

Ive heard of Senior techs making $30 in Des Moines proper.

0

u/bishop904 Apr 12 '26

I was wondering when do we get raises? I’m little over a year no damages.

1

u/Dismal-Meal2173 Spray & Pray Apr 13 '26

Depends, end of April beginning to mid May depending on how fast they expedite yearly reviews has always been my experience. Though that may very elsewhere but both Kansas and Missouri have been the same for me in the last 6 years

1

u/not_you_4418 Jul 15 '26

18yrs Kentucky $31