Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.
Is elevator and escalator installers and repairers a good career?
It scores 27/100 and ranks #177 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($109,910 vs $61,390)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn between $79,290 and $135,720 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live elevator and escalator installers and repairers jobs
No live elevator and escalator installers and repairers openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified elevator and escalator installers and repairers openings will appear here — each shown against the $109,910 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become an elevator and escalator installers and repairer
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. High school classes in math, mechanical drawing, and physics may be helpful.
Training
A career in elevator or escalator installation and repair typically begins with a 4-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association, or employer. For each year of a typical program, apprentices must complete a predetermined number of hours of technical instruction and paid on-the-job training. During training, apprentices learn about safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics, elevator and escalator parts, electrical and digital theory, and electronics.
When they finish the apprenticeship program, fully trained elevator and escalator installers and repairers become mechanics or assistant mechanics. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers need ongoing training in order to keep up with technological developments.
Workers with relevant experience who can document it and demonstrate their skill may qualify for a shorter apprenticeship.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most states require elevator and escalator installers and repairers to be licensed. Check with your state
Although not required, certification shows competence and proficiency in the field.
Employers may require elevator and escalator installers to have a driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to jobsites.
Advancement
Installers may receive additional training to specialize and advance to become a mechanic-in-charge, adjuster, or supervisor.
Important qualities
Ability to work at heights. Some elevator and escalator installers may have to work atop ladders, mechanical lifts, or in elevator shafts.
Detail oriented. Elevator and escalator installers must keep accurate records of their service schedules. They need to carefully review complex blueprints and follow blueprint instructions exactly.
Mechanical skills. Elevator and escalator installers use a variety of power tools and handtools to install and repair lifts.
Physical stamina. Elevators and escalator installers must be able to do strenuous work, including in cramped and confined spaces, for long periods.
Physical strength. Elevator and escalator installers often lift heavy equipment and parts, including escalator steps, conduit, and metal tracks. They may be required to lift equipment weighing up to 200 pounds.
Troubleshooting skills. Elevator and escalator installers must be able to diagnose problems, especially when making repairs.
Related occupations
How much do elevator and escalator installers and repairers make?
The national median wage is $109,910 a year, with the middle half earning between $79,290 and $135,720 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is elevator and escalator installers and repairers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 27 of 100 and ranks #177 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a elevator and escalator installers and repairer?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn the most?
Among states, Maine pays the highest median ($143,690). Local pay for every state and metro is below.