How to Become an Elevator Mechanic in California (2026 Guide)

Elevator mechanics install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and moving walkways. In California they’re among the highest-paid workers in the skilled trades, earning well over $140,000 at the median. The catch is getting in: apprenticeships open only every couple of years, and there are far more applicants than spots.

How to get into an elevator apprenticeship in California

Most California elevator mechanics train through a four-year apprenticeship run by an International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) local with the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP). California locals include Local 8 in San Francisco and Local 18 in Los Angeles.

• Watch for recruitment: each IUEC local opens applications about every two years. Check the NEIEP recruitment page often.
• Pass the EIAT: the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test covers arithmetic, reading, mechanical comprehension and tools. You need 70% or higher to advance.
• Interview and get ranked: a short interview with union and management committee members sets your rank, and employers hire apprentices from the list in order.
• Earn while you learn: apprentices are paid from day one and get raises as they progress.

What to do while you wait

Because recruitments are spread out, plan for a gap. Use it to become the applicant they want:

• Get electrical or mechanical training: a community college electrical, electronics or industrial maintenance program builds skills the job uses every day.
• Work in a related trade: construction, building maintenance or electrical work keeps you on tools and gives you real experience to talk about.
• Prepare for the test: brush up on math, reading and mechanical reasoning.
• Apply to more than one local: if you can relocate, more recruitments mean more chances.

Certification in California

California requires anyone who works on elevators without supervision to be a Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) through Cal/OSHA. You need three years of verified experience plus one of the following: passing the state exam, completing NEIEP or an equivalent program, completing a registered elevator apprenticeship, or holding an equivalent license from another state.

What elevator mechanics earn in California

California elevator mechanics earned a median of $141,180 in May 2025, about $31,000 more than the national median of $109,910. The Bay Area pays the most.

Area	Median pay (May 2025)
San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara	$173,920
San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont	$168,270
Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim	$140,600
San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad	$140,250
Fresno	$126,110
California overall	$141,180
United States	$109,910

California has about 2,000 elevator mechanics, and the state projects about 170 openings a year. Nationally, BLS projects 6% job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Steps to become an elevator mechanic in California

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth waiting to get into the elevator trade?

For most people, yes. It’s one of the highest-paying trades in California, and apprentices are paid while they train.

How much do elevator mechanics make in California?

The median was $141,180 a year in May 2025, and above $168,000 in the San Francisco and San Jose areas.

Do elevator mechanics need a license in California?

Yes. Anyone working without supervision must be a Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM), which requires three years of experience plus an exam, NEIEP, or a registered apprenticeship.

Sources

• California Labor Code 7311.2: Certified competent conveyance mechanic
• Cal/OSHA: CCCM application
• NEIEP: Apprenticeship recruitment
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elevator Installers and Repairers
• O*NET OnLine: Elevator mechanic wages and outlook in California (BLS OEWS May 2025)

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