Updated 2024 · Specialty
How to Become a Elevator Mechanic
Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts in commercial and residential buildings.
Steps to Become a Elevator Mechanic
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Elevator Mechanic apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: State elevator mechanic license (required in most states), Certified Elevator Technician (CET), OSHA 10/30-Hour.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Elevator Mechanic Do?
Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts in commercial and residential buildings.
Daily Duties
- Install elevator cars, motors, and control systems
- Test and adjust safety devices and controls
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical malfunctions
- Perform preventive maintenance on elevators and escalators
- Modernize outdated elevator systems
Skills Needed
- Electrical systems
- Hydraulic systems
- PLC programming
- Blueprint reading
- Safety system testing
Required Certifications
- State elevator mechanic license (required in most states)
- Certified Elevator Technician (CET)
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
Elevator Mechanic Salary (2024)
The national median elevator mechanic salary is $116,702 per year. Pay ranges from $57,470 in the lowest-paying metro to $164,020 in the highest-paying metro. See the full elevator mechanic salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Elevator Mechanic apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $46,681 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $66,520 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $85,192 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $105,032 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $116,702 |
Union vs Non-Union Elevator Mechanic Pay
Union elevator mechanics earn 38% more than non-union workers, $49.85/hour union vs $36.13/hour non-union. Approximately 68.2% of elevator mechanics are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Elevator mechanics work in elevator shafts, machine rooms, and on top of elevator cars. Work involves confined spaces, heights, and electrical hazards. On-call for emergency repairs.
Career Outlook
One of the highest-paying trades with strong union representation. Demand driven by new high-rise construction and modernization of existing buildings. Very competitive apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a elevator mechanic is $116,702 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $57,470 to $164,020 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a elevator mechanic apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a elevator mechanic. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: State elevator mechanic license (required in most states) and Certified Elevator Technician (CET).
Elevator Mechanic earns a Trade Pay Score grade of B, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. One of the highest-paying trades with strong union representation. Demand driven by new high-rise construction and modernization of existing buildings. Very competitive apprenticeships.
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