Elevator & Escalator Mechanic
Trades/Construction · $109,910 median · ~4 months to start, up to ~4 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
Hard to get into
Union apprenticeships are very competitive with long waitlists in many metros, and the work involves heights, confined spaces, and on-call repair. But the pay is among the best in the trades.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Apprentice elevator mechanic (NEIEP, years 1-4, while training) $55-75K
- Journeyman elevator constructor / mechanic $100-125K
- Modernization adjuster or maintenance-route specialist $120-145K
- Mechanic with overtime $130-160K+. One of the highest-paid building trades.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
That's a wide span on purpose: you can start working after a short pre-apprenticeship or entry course, while the longer figure reflects a full apprenticeship. The career ladder below breaks the journey into steps.
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Pay while training: ~50% of journeyman scale in year 1, stepping up each year to full journey rate (~$45-60/hr in many metros)
Common sponsors: NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program), IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors)
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
State elevator mechanic license
State licensing board (most states)
Most states require a license; estimate pending verification.
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- Often free
Usually free — through a paid apprenticeship or employer-sponsored training.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the State elevator mechanic license.
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Elevator apprentice
Entry$65,000Training: NEIEP apprenticeship (paid), ~4 years
Journeyman elevator mechanic
Year 4$110,000Adjuster / modernization specialist
Year 7$135,000
In your state
State licensure
Licensure is required in most states, but the verified per-state list is still pending — check your state licensing board before enrolling. See “Data limitations” below.
Data limitations
- • The wage figures come from BLS. Training length, apprenticeship pay, and the pay figures on the career ladder are researched estimates — treat them as a guide, not a quote.
- • Most states require an elevator mechanic license, but we haven't finished verifying the exact state-by-state list, so we're not showing one. Some places license at the city level rather than the state level too. Check your state's licensing board before you commit to a program.
Common questions
How much does a Elevator & Escalator Mechanic make?
The median wage is $109,910 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $59,270 and $158,890. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Elevator & Escalator Mechanic?
Typical training runs about 4 months to get started, and up to about 4 years to reach the top of the field. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Elevator & Escalator Mechanic?
No. Elevator & Escalator Mechanic is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Elevator & Escalator Mechanic eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Elevator & Escalator Mechanic?
Licensure is required in most states, but the exact per-state list is still being verified. Check your state licensing board before you enrol.
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