What Elevator Workers Do
Elevator workers, officially called elevator and escalator installers and repairers, assemble, install, repair, and maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters. They use hand and power tools, testing devices like test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
Day-to-day work includes inspecting wiring connections, control panel hookups, door installations, alignments, and clearances of cars and hoistways to ensure proper operation. They disassemble defective units and repair or replace parts such as locks, gears, cables, and electric wiring.[BLS OOH][O*NET]
Typical environments span new construction sites during installation, high-rise buildings, commercial properties, industrial facilities, and existing structures for maintenance and repairs. Work often involves heights, confined spaces in shafts, and physical labor in urban and suburban areas. Most employment is with building equipment contractors, where 21,390 workers were employed in 2023.[BLS OES]
The job demands physical strength, mechanical aptitude, and comfort with electrical systems. Realistic interests—designing, building, or repairing equipment—are a strong fit, as rated 100% by O*NET.[O*NET]
How to Get Started
Entry requires a high school diploma or equivalent. No prior work experience is needed, but mechanical skills, math proficiency, and physical fitness help. Most enter through a 4-year apprenticeship combining on-the-job training (about 2,000 hours per year) with 144+ hours of classroom instruction annually.[BLS OOH]
Apprenticeships are sponsored by unions like the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) or non-union contractor groups. Apply directly to local IUEC chapters or companies via their websites or job boards. Expect a competitive selection process including aptitude tests, interviews, and physical exams.
- Step 1: Earn high school diploma; take shop, math, and blueprint reading classes.
- Step 2: Contact local IUEC union hall or building equipment contractors for apprenticeship openings.
- Step 3: Pass entrance exam (math, mechanical comprehension) and drug test.
- Step 4: Complete 4-year apprenticeship: 8,000 hours OJT + 600 hours classroom.
Typical timeline: 4 years to journeyman status. Some start as helpers earning entry wages while applying. Workforce is 98.1% male, with average age skewing experienced due to retirement replacements.[Data USA]
Certifications and Licenses Needed
No national license exists, but most states and cities require a contractor license for elevator work. Individuals need mechanic certification after apprenticeship.
- Qualified Elevator Mechanic (QEM): Issued by the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) after passing exam; requires 3 years experience.
- Certified Elevator Technician (CET): From NAEC; entry-level after training.
- State/City Licenses: E.g., New York City requires Local Law 57 exam; California mandates certification by Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
- IUEC Endorsement: Union journeyman card after apprenticeship.
Employers often cover exam costs. Renewals require continuing education on codes like ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators. Check state requirements via NAEC or local building departments.[BLS OOH]
Pay and Career Progression
Entry-level apprentices start at 40-50% of journeyman scale, around $25-$35/hour depending on location. Journeymen earn median $106,580 annually ($51.24/hour) as of May 2024. Top 10% exceed $130,000.[BLS OOH]
Industry breakdown (2023 BLS OES): Building equipment contractors average $102,450/year; highest in metro areas like Los Angeles ($123,770) and New York ($114,510).[BLS OES]
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $50,000-$65,000 | BLS OES Entry |
| Journeyman | $100,000-$115,000 | [BLS OOH] |
| Supervisor/Manager (10+ years) | $120,000+ | Industry Avg |
Career progression: Apprentice (4 years) → Journeyman → Mechanic Supervisor → Service Manager → Contractor Owner. Union scales include benefits like pensions, health insurance. Overtime and on-call pay boost earnings 20-30%.[Data USA]
Job Outlook
Employment grows 5% from 2024-2034, faster than average (3% for all occupations). Total jobs: 24,200 in 2024. About 2,000 openings annually, mostly from retirements and transfers.[BLS OOH]
Demand drivers: Urbanization, high-rise construction, aging infrastructure needing modernization, and escalator/dumbwaiter installs in retail/hospitals. Workforce growth averaged 32% annually 2014-2023, but shortages loom as experienced workers retire.[Data USA]
High-demand areas: Northeast (NYC 4,060 jobs), California, Florida. Injury risks exist—244 incidents per 10,000 FTE (lower than construction average)—mainly falls into shafts (49% of fatalities). Prioritize safety training.[eLCOSH]