Elevator Technician Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Elevator Technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lift systems. They ensure the safety and functionality of these systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Pros:
High demand with job security.
Opportunity for steady, well-paying work.
Exciting and adventurous, particularly for those who enjoy heights and complex challenges.
Engages problem-solving and hands-on technical skills.
Cons:
Physically demanding with exposure to heights and confined spaces.
Dangerous: Elevator technicians face significant risks, with a fatal injury rate of 29.7 per 100,000 workers, which is notably higher than the average across all occupations. The risks include falls, electrical shocks, and injuries from heavy equipment(BLS)(OSHA).
Initial and Potential Pay:
Initial Pay: Approximately $51,960 for apprentices.
Median Pay: $102,420 per year, with top earners making over $138,910 (BLS).
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a 4-year apprenticeship program is the standard route, though vocational or trade school programs can also be a path into the field.
Strong mechanical and electrical skills.
On-the-job training is a significant component of becoming proficient in this field (Blue Collar Brain Ⓡ) (Learn a Skilled Trade).
Career Path for the Ambitious:
Supervisor: Lead teams of technicians.
Contractor: Start your own business, taking contracts for installations and maintenance.
Specialist: Focus on high-end systems or niche markets, increasing earnings.
How to Find the Job:
Network with local contractors and elevator companies.
Check job boards, union listings, and apprenticeships.
Consider working as a helper to get your foot in the door.
How to Land the Job:
Present yourself as reliable and hard-working.
Offer to take on additional responsibilities to stand out.
Learn and improve technical skills continually.
Notes:
Typically a male-dominated field, but nothing stops a physically capable woman from succeeding.
Mechanical aptitude and comfort with heavy equipment are essential for success in this role (Blue Collar Brain Ⓡ)(Learn a Skilled Trade).