Elevator and Escalator Installer / Repairer key facts
- National median pay
- $109,910 per yearBLS, May 2025
- Projected growth
- 6%BLS, 2025 to 2035
- Annual openings
- 1,900BLS, 2025 to 2035 average
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent, followed by a typical 4 year apprenticeship.
- Typical training route
- Union or association apprenticeshipTypically 4 years
- Licensing note
- State licenseRequired in most states
- Primary source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Last verified
- Data verified November 2026 · BLS May 2025 wages · BLS 2025 to 2035 projections
Career overview
What does an elevator and escalator installer / repairer career actually involve?
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers assemble, install, maintain and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways and similar equipment. It is a small occupation, with about 24,700 jobs in 2025, and the trade with the highest median pay of the 18 in our Opportunity Index.
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education and an apprenticeship as the typical training. Most states require a license, so the rules where you work matter as much as the training.
Typical work
Read blueprints to plan the installation of elevators, escalators and walkways.
Assemble and install equipment, wiring, controls and hoistway components.
Test and adjust equipment after installation.
Diagnose faults and repair or replace worn parts.
Carry out scheduled maintenance and safety checks.
Step-by-step path
How to enter this career
Meet the basic entry requirements
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education. Strong math, mechanical aptitude and comfort with electrical work help in the application.
Apply to an apprenticeship
The apprenticeship typically lasts 4 years and is sponsored by a union, an industry association or an employer. Apprentices start at about 50% of a fully trained worker's pay.
Find registered apprenticeshipsCheck your state's licensing rules
BLS says most states require elevator installers and repairers to be licensed, and tells readers to check with their state. Requirements differ, so confirm them before you plan your route.
Complete the apprenticeship and license
Finish the paid training and meet your state's licensing requirements to work as a fully qualified mechanic.
Consider optional certification
BLS notes certification is optional. Ask your sponsor whether it is useful where you plan to work.
Pay, without the hype
How much does an elevator and escalator installer / repairer make?
The BLS national median for this occupation is $109,910 per year (May 2025 wages). Half of workers earn more and half earn less, so it is not a starting wage: the lowest-paid 10% earned under $59,270, and apprentices usually earn less than fully trained workers while they train.
Median pay in selected industries
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $109,910 a year ($52.84 an hour), with the lowest 10% earning less than $59,270 and the highest 10% more than $158,890. Apprentices start at about 50% of a fully trained worker's pay, so the median reflects fully qualified mechanics. This is a small occupation, so local pay and openings can differ a lot from the national figures.
Training choices
Compare the main routes into the field
Union or association apprenticeship
People who want paid training toward the highest-paying routeApprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They are sponsored by a union, an industry association or an employer.
Employer-sponsored apprenticeship
People hired directly by an elevator contractorAbout 89% of elevator installers and repairers work for building equipment contractors, which may sponsor their own apprentices.
Licenses & credentials
What you may actually need to work
State license
Required in most statesBLS says most states require a license. Requirements vary, so check with your state's licensing authority.
CareerOneStop License FinderApprenticeship completion
Typical routeCompleting the roughly 4 year apprenticeship is how most workers qualify for full journey-level pay and responsibility.
Apprenticeship.govOptional certification
OptionalBLS says certification is optional.
2025 to 2035 job outlook
What is driving demand?
BLS projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, which is about 1,400 new jobs and about 1,900 openings a year.
Because the occupation is small, openings are limited and competition for apprenticeships can be strong. BLS says demand is tied to construction but sustained by modernization and maintenance of existing equipment.
Career fit
Who tends to fit this work — and what to consider first
This path may fit you if…
- You like precise mechanical and electrical work.
- You are comfortable working in tight spaces and at heights.
- You can lift heavy parts, up to 200 pounds according to BLS.
- You are willing to wait for, and compete for, an apprenticeship opening.
- You want high pay without a college degree and can commit to about 4 years of training.
Know the realities
- •Work can take place in cramped spaces and at heights.
- •Installers and repairers may need to lift parts weighing up to 200 pounds.
- •Apprenticeship openings are limited because the occupation is small.
- •Licensing rules differ by state and must be met in addition to the training.
One possible progression
Apprentice
Learn safety, tools, blueprints and basic installation, starting at about 50% of a fully trained worker's pay.
Advancing apprentice
Take on more complex installation, wiring and troubleshooting as skills develop.
Licensed mechanic
Complete the apprenticeship, meet state licensing rules and work at full journey-level pay.
Service or modernization specialist
Focus on maintenance routes or upgrading older equipment, which BLS says helps sustain demand.
Foreman or supervisor
With experience, some mechanics lead crews or move into supervision.
Keep researching
Related TrainingForFuture guides
Source transparency
Where this guide gets its facts
TrainingForFuture prioritizes primary government and industry sources for pay, projections, licensing and certification. Data below was checked for this guide in September 2026.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
May 2025 wages, 2025 to 2035 outlook, training and licensing.
Open official source U.S. Department of LaborApprenticeship.gov
Registered apprenticeship information and job finder.
Open official source U.S. Department of LaborCareerOneStop License Finder
Starting point for state licensing questions.
Open official sourceFrequently asked questions
Quick answers
How much do elevator mechanics make?
The BLS median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $109,910 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,270 and the highest 10% earned more than $158,890.
How long does it take to become an elevator mechanic?
BLS says the typical route is a 4 year apprenticeship sponsored by a union, an industry association or an employer. Apprentices start at about 50% of fully trained pay.
Do elevator mechanics need a license?
Most states require a license. BLS advises checking with your state, because requirements differ.
Do you need a college degree to be an elevator mechanic?
No. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with an apprenticeship as the typical training.
Is demand for elevator mechanics growing?
BLS projects 6% growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 1,900 openings a year. The occupation is small, so openings are limited.