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).