Median pay
$109,910 a year
Training
4-year apprenticeship
Openings per year
About 1,900
License
Required in most states
Elevator mechanics install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and lifts. It’s one of the best-paid trades you can enter without a college degree, which is exactly why the apprenticeships are so hard to get into.
What elevator mechanics earn
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers earned a national median of $109,910 in May 2025. The top 10% earned more than $158,890. Apprentices usually start at about half of a fully trained mechanic’s pay and get raises as they progress.
Pay depends a lot on where you work. In Nevada, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington, the median topped $137,000 a year.
| State | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $141,950 | $68.25 |
| California | $141,180 | $67.88 |
| Massachusetts | $138,420 | $66.55 |
| New Jersey | $137,920 | $66.31 |
| Washington | $137,180 | $65.95 |
| New York | $135,720 | $65.25 |
| Illinois | $133,690 | $64.27 |
| Minnesota | $128,020 | $61.55 |
| Pennsylvania | $117,250 | $56.37 |
| Ohio | $105,020 | $50.49 |
| Florida | $104,730 | $50.35 |
| Texas | $102,140 | $49.11 |
| Michigan | $99,140 | $47.67 |
| United States | $109,910 | $52.84 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, BLS OEWS May 2025.
Why it’s so hard to get in
It’s a small trade. There were about 24,700 elevator installer and repairer jobs in 2025, and BLS projects only about 1,900 openings a year, even though job growth is expected to be faster than average. Union programs open applications on their own schedule, and many people apply for every spot.
From the dean’s desk
You have to make sure you’re ready when the opportunity presents itself. There won’t be many opportunities to get into the union, so when there is one, you must take it.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
How elevator apprenticeship applications work
Most elevator apprentices come through union programs run by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP). Each local runs its own recruitment, usually only when its list of ranked applicants runs out, and many cap the number of applications they accept. The steps are the same nationwide:
- Apply online during an open recruitment. Applications go through the NEIEP Recruitment System, not the union hall. There’s a $25 non-refundable fee, and you upload your high school diploma or GED. Windows can close early once the cap fills.
- Take the EIAT. The Elevator Industry Aptitude Test has 100 multiple-choice questions: 35 reading comprehension, 35 mechanical aptitude and 30 math. You need 70% to pass. If you don’t pass, you can apply again in a later recruitment.
- Interview. Two members of the local’s Joint Apprenticeship Committee, one from the union and one from the employers, interview you, usually for 15 to 20 minutes. Tool knowledge counts, and you need 70% to be ranked.
- Get ranked and hired. You’re ranked by interview score, and contractors hire from the list in order. A ranking is good for two years or until the whole list is hired.
To apply you need to be at least 17 (18 to be registered as an apprentice), have a high school diploma or GED, and be authorized to work in the U.S. Some locals also require you to live in their area, so read each recruitment notice.
FREE TRACKER
See which elevator locals are taking applications
We track union elevator recruitments across the U.S. and check them twice a day, so you can apply the day a window opens, even if it’s in another state.
Open the elevator tracker →How to be ready when the door opens
1
Finish high school with math and physics
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Math, mechanical drawing and physics help.
2
Build electrical and mechanical experience
Elevator work combines electrical theory, electronics and mechanical systems. A technical college program or work in electrical, industrial maintenance or HVAC gives you a head start.
3
Watch for application windows
Find the elevator apprenticeship program or union local that covers your area and learn how and when they take applications. Be ready to apply the day it opens. Our free elevator apprenticeship openings tracker shows which locals are recruiting now and which open next.
4
Prepare for the selection process
Union programs use the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT) and an interview. Practice reading, math and mechanical reasoning ahead of time; our free mechanical aptitude test is a good place to start.
5
Complete the apprenticeship and get licensed
A typical apprenticeship lasts four years of paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction. Most states also require a license; check with your state.
What the work is like
- Working at heights, in elevator shafts and machine rooms
- Reading complex blueprints and wiring diagrams
- Troubleshooting electrical and electronic controls
- Keeping detailed service records
- Responding to service calls, sometimes after hours
Frequently asked questions
How much do elevator mechanics make?
The national median was $109,910 in May 2025. Apprentices usually start at about 50% of a trained mechanic’s pay.
How long does it take to become an elevator mechanic?
A typical apprenticeship lasts four years. Workers with documented relevant experience may qualify for a shorter program.
Do elevator mechanics need a license?
Most states require elevator installers and repairers to be licensed. Check your state’s requirements.
How do I apply for an elevator apprenticeship?
Union elevator apprenticeships take applications online through the NEIEP Recruitment System, only while a local is recruiting. There’s a $25 fee, and you upload your diploma or GED. Our elevator apprenticeship openings tracker shows which locals are open now.
What is on the elevator apprenticeship test?
The Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT) has 100 multiple-choice questions: 35 reading comprehension, 35 mechanical aptitude and 30 math. You need 70% to pass and move on to the interview.
Where do elevator mechanics make the most?
In May 2025, the highest state medians were in Nevada ($141,950), California ($141,180), Massachusetts ($138,420), New Jersey ($137,920) and Washington ($137,180).
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- O*NET OnLine: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers wages (BLS, May 2025)
- NEIEP: IUEC apprenticeship FAQ
- NEIEP: EIAT study guide
Related: Elevator apprenticeship openings tracker · Elevator mechanic in California · in Washington · All construction guides · Top 26 Skilled Trades to Get Into
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