Elevator Mechanic Career Guide

Elevator Mechanics and Technicians are trained to install, maintain, inspect and service elevators, escalators, moving walkways, dumbwaiters and other similar vertical lift equipment. For example, an Elevator Mechanic may troubleshoot malfunction components such as buttons, lighting problems and strange noise complaints. In addition, an Elevator Mechanic can also provide detailed inspections of various equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation. These workers are skilled in electrical controls, hydraulics, welding and rigging. The work of a Elevator Mechanic is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Elevator repairman welding on mechanical equipment in an elevator shaft.

Worker welding on mechanical equipment.

Job that is in demand
The Elevator and Escalator industry is constantly growing and modernizing. At the same time many elevator mechanics are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in Elevator Mechanic and Installer career field.
Interesting and Challenging
Elevator workers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve complex problems. The job of a Elevator Mechanic is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as an Elevator Mechanic. Many elevator workers have acquired their training, through union apprenticeships.

Where you can work as an Elevator Mechanic

Contractor

The majority of Elevator Mechanics and Technicians work for Union Contractors. These elevator and escalator workers install, service and perform preventive maintenance on various vertical lift equipment. Also, many elevator workers frequently work alone to respond to and troubleshoot various problems. However, when preforming more extensive repair work they may work in small crews.

Government

While the majority of Elevator Mechanics are employed by Contractors, there are some government personnel that are employed as an Elevator Mechanic. However, the majority of government elevator workers are employed as Elevator inspectors. These workers are responsible to ensure that the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of vertical lift equipment is in compliance with local, state and federal codes and regulations.

Elevator Mechanic Working Conditions

An Elevator Mechanic typically can perform installation, repair, maintenance and inspection of motors, hydraulics, electrical controls, cables and other various mechanical and electrical equipment that is commonly found on vertical lift equipment. These activities require workers to work in confined spaces and elevator shafts exposing the workers to heights, moving mechanical equipment, electricity, heavy lifting and other dangerous conditions. Workers are trained in proper fall protection methods, rigging, lockout tag out procedures and other various safety measures to ensure a safe working environment.

Elevator Mechanic Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career advancement idea's for Elevator workers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

An Elevator Mechanic can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of facility manager, service manager or supervisor. These managers typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities or various building equipment. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Elevator Adjuster

Elevator Inspector

Many Elevator inspectors are employed as government workers. They ensure the installation, repair, maintenance, alteration and operation of elevators, escalators and other similar equipment is in compliance with codes and regulations applying to new and existing equipment. In addition, they review blueprints, permits and other construction documentation. Elevator inspectors regularly communicate with contractors, elevator mechanics, facility managers and engineers. These workers require training, years of experience and are typically state licensed as an elevator inspector.

Sales Rep/Consultant/Field Engineer

How much money you can make as an Elevator Mechanic and how to get started

Elevator Mechanic Salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as an Elevator Mechanic is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information along with a detailed job outlook for Elevator Mechanics, how to get started as a Elevator Mechanic and typical working conditions of an Elevator Mechanic.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the Elevator Mechanic career field and other skilled trades careers-

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Elevator Mechanics salary-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes474021.htm

Elevator Apprenticeship Program

A great way to get started in the Elevator and Escalator installation and repair career field is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an elevator mechanic apprentice you will work under the supervision of a licensed union elevator mechanic journeymen and also attend classes at a union training facility. Elevator mechanic apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union and organization for more information regarding elevator apprenticeship programs near you.

National Elevator Indusrty Educational Program-https://www.neiep.org/careers.aspx
International Union of Elevator Constructors-https://www.iuec.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the Elevator Mechanic career field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.