How to Become a Elevator Installer
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Median pay is $109,910 per year ($52.84/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
| 2025 median pay | $109,910/year ($52.84/hour) |
|---|---|
| Entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training path | Apprenticeship (typically 4 years) |
| Job outlook | Steady; specialized trade with limited competition |
| Jobs in the US | 25,000+ |
The path in, step by step
- Enter through the International Union of Elevator Constructors apprenticeship; it is competitive and sought-after.
- Complete 4 years of paid training combining mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
- Maintenance and repair mechanics earn on par with installers and work more regular hours.
- On-call emergency repair pays significant premiums.
How long it takes
4 years to mechanic status.
What it costs
Paid apprenticeship; the main cost is getting in.
What working tradespeople say
- The highest median pay of any trade on this list, but also one of the hardest apprenticeships to land.
- It is equal parts electrician, mechanic, and computer tech; diverse aptitude helps.
- Union membership is near-universal, which is a big part of why pay is high.
- Modernization work (upgrading old elevators) is the steadiest segment.
Run your own numbers
See what the hourly rate means per paycheck with our salary to hourly calculator, and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the compound interest calculator (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our resume templates and cover letter examples are free.
More trade guides
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- Carpenter$60,580/yr median
- Auto Mechanic$50,620/yr median
- Ironworker$62,780/yr median
- Solar Installer$53,140/yr median
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- Boilermaker$76,410/yr median
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Frequently asked questions
How much does elevator installer pay?
The national median is $109,910 per year ($52.84/hour) as of May 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earn more, half earn less; apprentices start lower and experienced specialists earn much more.
Do I need college to get into the trades?
No. Every trade on this page lists a high school diploma or a short certificate as the entry credential. The training happens through paid apprenticeships or trade school, not four-year degrees.
How long does it take to become a elevator installer?
4 years to mechanic status.
Union or non-union: which is better?
Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer stronger benefits and pensions, but can have waitlists. Non-union paths through contractor associations or direct hire can start faster. Many successful tradespeople do both over a career.
Will AI replace trade jobs?
Physical trades that work in unpredictable real-world environments (wiring buildings, fixing pipes, driving trucks) are among the hardest jobs to automate. The BLS projects continued openings driven mostly by retirements.