What does an elevator mechanic do?
- Install elevators, escalators and moving walkways in new buildings.
- Inspect and maintain lifts so they run safely.
- Find and fix mechanical, electrical and control problems.
- Read blueprints and follow strict safety codes.
Where do elevator mechanics work?
- Office towers, hospitals and apartment buildings
- Airports, malls and transit stations
- Elevator shafts, machine rooms and crawl spaces
Is a career as an elevator mechanic right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like mechanical and electrical work in equal measure.
- You're comfortable working at heights and in tight spaces.
- You want one of the best-paid trades, and don't mind a smaller field.
How to become an elevator mechanic
Nearly everyone learns through an apprenticeship after high school, working alongside experienced installers while taking classroom training. Most states require elevator workers to be licensed.
How much do elevator mechanics make?
The median pay for elevator mechanics in the U.S. was $109,910 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $59,270 to $158,890 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Elevator mechanic pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $109,910 |
| Massachusetts | $138,420 |
Job outlook for elevator mechanics
U.S. employment of elevator mechanics is projected to change by +6% (faster than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,900 openings each year on average. There were 24,700 elevator mechanic jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- It's a small field: about 24,700 jobs nationwide, so openings are fewer than in larger trades.
- Repair technicians may be on call around the clock, and overtime is common.
Elevator mechanic FAQ
What does an elevator mechanic do?
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other lifts. Typical work includes: install elevators, escalators and moving walkways in new buildings; inspect and maintain lifts so they run safely; find and fix mechanical, electrical and control problems; read blueprints and follow strict safety codes.
How do you become an elevator mechanic?
Nearly everyone learns through an apprenticeship after high school, working alongside experienced installers while taking classroom training. Most states require elevator workers to be licensed.
How much do elevator mechanics make?
The median pay for elevator mechanics in the U.S. was $109,910 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers). Most earn between $59,270 to $158,890 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are elevator mechanics in demand?
U.S. employment of elevator mechanics is projected to change by +6% (faster than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,900 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.