If you are looking for an Elevator Installer and Repairer Salary in the USA, this job can pay much better than many other skilled trade jobs, but the work also comes with real responsibility. Elevator installers and repairers install, maintain, test and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways and similar lifting equipment. In the U.S., this career is also commonly called elevator mechanic or elevator technician work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $109,910 in May 2025, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $158,890. The actual elevator mechanic salary can be different depending on the state, experience, apprenticeship level, employer, overtime and type of work. For someone thinking about a skilled trade career, the elevator installer salary, hourly pay, apprentice wages and salary by state are all worth checking before starting this job.
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Elevator Installer and Repairer Salary in the USA
An elevator installer and repairer is not just someone who works on an elevator when it stops working. The job can include installing new elevator systems, checking motors and control systems, replacing worn parts, testing equipment and doing regular maintenance. Some workers spend more time on installation, while others mainly work on repair and maintenance. Because elevators are used in apartment buildings, offices, hospitals, hotels, shopping centers and other busy places, the work needs to be done carefully and safely.
The average elevator installer salary can look different from one source to another because some salary websites report an average while government wage data may report a mean or median wage. For a reliable national figure, the BLS reported a median annual wage of $109,910 for this occupation in May 2025. BLS also reported a median hourly wage of $52.84. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,270 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $158,890. These numbers show why elevator mechanic is often considered a high-paying skilled trade.
State Wise Elevator Installer Salary
Elevator installer salary can change a lot depending on where a worker lives and works. Local construction activity, union jobs, cost of living, experience, licensing, overtime and the type of elevator company can all affect actual pay. The table below gives state-level annual wage figures from BLS occupational wage data where published. Wage figures are annual mean wages and should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every worker.
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,420 |
| Alaska | Data varies by year |
| Arizona | Data varies by year |
| Arkansas | Data varies by year |
| California | $126,110 |
| Colorado | Data varies by year |
| Connecticut | Data varies by year |
| Delaware | Data varies by year |
| Florida | $87,070 |
| Georgia | Data varies by year |
| Hawaii | $132,150 |
| Idaho | Data varies by year |
| Illinois | $106,650 |
| Indiana | Data varies by year |
| Iowa | Data varies by year |
| Kansas | Data varies by year |
| Kentucky | Data varies by year |
| Louisiana | Data varies by year |
| Maine | Data varies by year |
| Maryland | $99,240 |
| Massachusetts | $126,830 |
| Michigan | Data varies by year |
| Minnesota | Data varies by year |
| Mississippi | Data varies by year |
| Missouri | Data varies by year |
| Montana | Data varies by year |
| Nebraska | Data varies by year |
| Nevada | $151,500 |
| New Hampshire | Data varies by year |
| New Jersey | $124,970 |
| New Mexico | Data varies by year |
| New York | $110,590 |
| North Carolina | Data varies by year |
| North Dakota | Data varies by year |
| Ohio | Data varies by year |
| Oklahoma | Data varies by year |
| Oregon | Data varies by year |
| Pennsylvania | Data varies by year |
| Rhode Island | Data varies by year |
| South Carolina | Data varies by year |
| South Dakota | Data varies by year |
| Tennessee | Data varies by year |
| Texas | $80,710 |
| Utah | Data varies by year |
| Vermont | Data varies by year |
| Virginia | Data varies by year |
| Washington | $118,280 |
| West Virginia | Data varies by year |
| Wisconsin | Data varies by year |
| Wyoming | Data varies by year |
What Does an Elevator Installer and Repairer Do?
An elevator installer and repairer works with mechanical, electrical and computerized parts of elevator systems. The work can be different from one jobsite to another. A new building may need a complete elevator installation, while an older building may need a mechanic to find out why an elevator is making noise, stopping between floors or not opening its doors correctly.
According to BLS, workers in this occupation assemble elevator parts, connect electrical wiring, test newly installed equipment and troubleshoot problems with brakes, motors, switches and control systems. They can also remove damaged parts and install replacements. Regular maintenance is a big part of the job because elevator equipment needs to stay in safe working condition.
- Install elevator and escalator equipment
- Repair motors, brakes, switches and control systems
- Replace worn or damaged parts
- Test elevators after installation or repair
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections
- Read blueprints and technical information
- Keep records of repair and maintenance work
Elevator Mechanic Salary Per Hour
Many people searching for this career want to know the elevator mechanic salary per hour instead of yearly pay. The BLS reported a national median hourly wage of $52.84 in May 2025. That works out to about $109,910 a year when looking at the annual wage measure used by BLS. But hourly pay is not the same for every elevator mechanic. An apprentice will normally start lower and receive increases while moving through training.
Overtime can also make a difference. Elevator repair work can sometimes involve emergency calls, tight construction deadlines or work outside normal hours. So two people with the same job title may have different total earnings in a year.
Elevator Installer Apprentice Salary
For many people, the first step into this trade is an apprenticeship. BLS says elevator and escalator installers and repairers typically learn the work through an apprenticeship, with a typical program lasting about four years. Apprentices get technical instruction along with paid on-the-job training. The starting pay is usually around 50 percent of what a fully trained elevator installer and repairer makes, and pay can increase as the apprentice moves through the program.
This means an elevator installer apprentice salary is normally much lower than the salary of an experienced mechanic, but the worker is gaining practical skills at the same time. Apprentices may learn about safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical systems, electronics, elevator parts and applied physics.
- Apprentices normally learn while working on real job sites.
- Pay can increase as training levels are completed.
- Technical classes are part of the training.
- Safety training is an important part of the trade.
- Experienced workers can move into mechanic, adjuster or supervisor roles.
Why Elevator Mechanic Pay Can Be Higher
Elevator work needs a mix of mechanical knowledge, electrical skills and troubleshooting ability. A mechanic may have to find a problem inside a complicated control system and then safely repair it. The job can also involve working in elevator shafts, machine rooms and tight spaces. Because the equipment is important for building access and safety, employers need workers who can handle the work properly.
Experience is one part of the salary picture, but it is not the only one. Location, licensing, apprenticeship completion, employer, union or non-union employment, overtime and the type of elevator systems a worker handles can all affect actual earnings.
Elevator Installer Salary by Experience
Experience can make a big difference in an elevator installer salary. A person who is just entering the trade will normally earn less than a licensed and experienced elevator mechanic. During the first years, workers are still learning the equipment, safety rules, repair methods and jobsite practices. With more years in the trade, they can handle difficult repairs and larger installation work with less supervision.
An experienced elevator mechanic may also take on more responsibility at a jobsite. Some workers move into lead mechanic, adjuster or supervisor type positions after gaining enough field experience. Because of this, people searching for an elevator mechanic salary should not look at only the starting wage. Long-term earning potential can be quite different from apprentice pay.
- Apprentice: Entry-level pay while learning the trade.
- New Mechanic: Higher pay after completing required training.
- Experienced Mechanic: More responsibility and better earning opportunities.
- Senior or Lead Worker: May handle complex work or guide other workers.
- Supervisor: May coordinate crews, projects and repair work.
Elevator Mechanic Starting Salary
The elevator mechanic starting salary is usually not close to the national median wage because most new workers begin as apprentices. BLS says apprentices typically start at about half of the wage paid to fully trained workers. Their pay can then increase as they complete different stages of the apprenticeship.
This is one reason it can be misleading to search only for the average elevator technician salary. Someone searching for their first job should look specifically for elevator mechanic apprentice jobs, elevator installer apprentice salary and entry-level elevator technician positions. After training is completed, the worker can move into the regular mechanic wage range.
Elevator Installer Salary in California
California is one of the states where elevator installation and repair work can provide strong wages. Large cities have many office buildings, apartment buildings, hospitals, hotels and other commercial properties that use elevators. An experienced worker's actual elevator installer salary in California can depend on the employer, local labor market, experience, overtime and licensing requirements.
California also has a large construction and building maintenance market. Workers who are willing to work on installation as well as repair may find different types of opportunities. However, a high salary should also be looked at along with the local cost of living and working conditions.
- New construction elevator installation
- Commercial building maintenance
- Residential elevator service
- Hospital and hotel elevator repair
- Modernization of older elevator systems
Elevator Mechanic Salary in New York
New York has a large number of tall buildings and older buildings where elevators are an important part of daily transportation. This creates demand for workers who can install, maintain and repair elevator systems. The elevator mechanic salary in New York can vary by location, experience, employer and type of work.
New York City in particular has many commercial and residential buildings with elevator equipment. Repair and maintenance work can therefore be an important part of an elevator mechanic's career. Workers may also have to respond to service calls and work around building schedules.
Elevator Installer Salary in Texas
Texas has continued construction activity in many growing cities, and elevators are needed in offices, apartments, hospitals, hotels and other buildings. The elevator installer salary in Texas can change depending on whether a worker is doing new installation, maintenance or repair work.
Large metro areas can offer different opportunities than smaller cities. Experience with modern control systems and commercial elevator equipment may also help a worker qualify for more specialized positions.
- New building construction
- Apartment and condominium projects
- Commercial elevator maintenance
- Hospital and healthcare facilities
- Industrial and large building projects
Elevator Technician Salary in Washington
Washington is another state where elevator technicians work across commercial buildings, residential properties and other facilities. The elevator technician salary can depend on the type of equipment a worker services and the amount of experience they have.
Workers who can troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems are useful in this trade because today's elevator systems use more electronic controls than many older systems. A technician may need to understand both traditional mechanical parts and newer computerized controls.
What Affects Elevator Installer Salary?
There is no single salary number that every elevator installer receives. Even two mechanics working in the same state can have different pay. The biggest reason is that this is a skilled trade where training, experience and the kind of work being performed matter a lot.
- Experience: More field experience can lead to higher wages.
- Apprenticeship: Completing formal training helps a worker move toward mechanic-level work.
- Location: Pay varies from state to state and from one local market to another.
- Licensing: Some locations have licensing requirements for elevator work.
- Employer: Different companies can offer different wage and benefit packages.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase total yearly earnings.
- Type of work: Installation, repair, maintenance and modernization may have different pay levels.
- Union membership: Union jobs may have different wage and benefit structures from non-union jobs.
Elevator Repair Technician Salary
An elevator repair technician salary can be different from the wage of someone who mainly works on new installations. Repair technicians spend a lot of time troubleshooting existing equipment. They may inspect an elevator, find the faulty part, make the repair and test the system before it is returned to service.
Repair work can also involve emergency service. When an elevator stops working in an apartment building, hotel, hospital or office, the building owner may need a technician quickly. This is why troubleshooting skills and knowledge of different elevator systems can be valuable in the trade.
Elevator and Escalator Installer Salary
The occupation is commonly listed as Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers in government labor statistics. The work can include elevators, escalators and moving walkways. A worker's salary may therefore depend on which equipment they are trained to install or repair.
Someone who can work across several types of equipment may have access to a wider range of jobs. Still, employers can have their own training requirements, and workers need to follow the safety rules and licensing requirements that apply in their location.
How Much Does an Elevator Installer Make?
So, how much does an elevator installer make? The short answer is that pay can range from entry-level apprentice wages to well over $100,000 a year for experienced workers, depending on the situation. BLS reported a national median annual wage of $109,910 in May 2025 for elevator and escalator installers and repairers.
That number is a national median, not a promise of what one worker will earn. A new apprentice can earn much less than that figure, while an experienced mechanic working in a higher-paying market or receiving overtime can earn substantially more. This is why salary by state and experience should be checked along with the national number.
Elevator Mechanic Hourly Pay
For workers paid by the hour, elevator mechanic hourly pay is an important number. BLS reported a median hourly wage of $52.84 in May 2025 for elevator and escalator installers and repairers. Hourly workers may also have overtime rules, shift differences or other forms of compensation depending on their employer and job.
When comparing jobs, it is better to look at the full package instead of only the hourly rate. Health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, apprenticeship training and overtime opportunities can change the real value of a job.
Elevator Installer Jobs and Career Opportunities
People searching for elevator installer jobs will find that this career is connected with both construction and building maintenance. New elevator systems are installed during construction, while existing systems need regular maintenance and repair for many years after a building opens.
There are several directions a worker can take after entering the trade. Some prefer field repair, while others enjoy installation and modernization work. With enough experience, some workers take on more responsibility and move into lead or supervisory positions.
- Elevator Installer
- Elevator Mechanic
- Elevator Repair Technician
- Elevator Maintenance Technician
- Elevator Adjuster
- Lead Elevator Mechanic
- Elevator Service Technician
- Elevator Installation Supervisor
Is Elevator Installer a Good Skilled Trade Career?
Elevator installation and repair is a specialized skilled trade with a relatively high national wage. It can be a good fit for someone who likes mechanical work, electrical systems, troubleshooting and hands-on jobs. But the work is not easy. Workers may work at heights, inside shafts and in tight areas, and safety procedures are a major part of the job.
The apprenticeship route also means a new worker needs patience while learning the trade. In return, the worker gets practical experience and can build skills that are useful for a long-term career. For people comparing skilled trade jobs, the combination of training, wage growth and specialized technical work is an important part of the elevator installer career.
How to Become an Elevator Installer and Repairer
Most people do not walk straight into an elevator mechanic job without training. This is a trade where workers need to understand mechanical parts, electrical wiring, controls and safety procedures. The common route is an apprenticeship where a new worker learns on the job while also getting technical instruction.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevator and escalator installers and repairers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. These programs generally take about four years. Apprentices get paid while learning, and their wage normally increases as they gain more skills and move through the training program.
- Complete high school or an equivalent education.
- Look for an elevator mechanic or elevator installer apprenticeship.
- Learn mechanical and electrical systems.
- Complete required safety and technical training.
- Gain hands-on experience under experienced workers.
- Meet state or local licensing requirements where required.
- Continue learning new elevator control and technology systems.
Elevator Installer Education Requirements
A four-year college degree is normally not required for this career. Many workers enter through an apprenticeship after completing high school or an equivalent program. Basic math, mechanical understanding and the ability to read technical information can be useful from the beginning.
Someone who is good with hands-on work may find this career easier to learn than a job that is mostly classroom based. Still, the technical side should not be ignored. Modern elevators use electrical controls, sensors and computerized systems, so an installer or repairer needs to keep up with the technology.
Elevator Mechanic Apprenticeship
An elevator mechanic apprenticeship combines classroom learning with actual work experience. Apprentices can spend part of their time learning technical subjects and the rest working with experienced mechanics. This gives them a chance to see how elevator systems work in real buildings instead of only reading about them.
The apprenticeship period can also be an important time for learning jobsite habits. A new worker learns how to use tools, follow safety procedures, understand drawings and communicate with other workers on a construction or service site.
- Mechanical systems and elevator components
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Blueprint and technical drawing reading
- Safety procedures
- Installation methods
- Repair and troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
Elevator Installer Licensing Requirements
Licensing rules are not exactly the same across the United States. Some states and local areas require elevator mechanics or contractors to hold a license or meet other requirements before performing certain work. A person planning to enter this trade should check the rules in the state where they want to work.
Licensing is important because elevator equipment directly affects the safety and movement of people inside a building. Employers may also have their own training and certification requirements. Finishing an apprenticeship does not automatically mean every state has the same licensing process.
Elevator Installer Working Conditions
Elevator installers and repairers do hands-on work and the job can be physically demanding. Workers may spend time in elevator shafts, machine rooms and construction areas. They may also work in unfinished buildings where there is dust, noise and other construction activity.
Safety is a major part of the job. Workers need to follow proper procedures when working around electrical equipment, moving machinery and elevated areas. The job may also require climbing, lifting equipment and working in spaces that are not very comfortable.
- Work may happen inside elevator shafts and machine rooms.
- Some jobs are performed at construction sites.
- Workers can spend long periods standing or moving around.
- Protective equipment and safety procedures are important.
- Emergency repair calls may sometimes require unusual work hours.
Elevator Mechanic Overtime Pay
Elevator mechanic overtime pay can have a noticeable effect on yearly income for some workers. Elevator problems do not always happen during normal business hours, and construction projects can also have deadlines. Depending on the employer and job, mechanics may have opportunities to work additional hours.
However, overtime should not be added to a salary estimate automatically. Not every worker receives the same amount of overtime. When comparing two elevator mechanic jobs, it is better to ask about the normal work schedule, overtime rules and total compensation.
Union Elevator Mechanic Salary
Another common search is union elevator mechanic salary. Union and non-union jobs can have different wage structures, benefits and working conditions. Elevator mechanics represented by a union may receive wages and benefits under a collective bargaining agreement, while non-union employees may have a different compensation package from their employer.
Union apprenticeship programs can also provide a structured path into the trade. The actual wage depends on the local agreement, training level, location and employer, so there is not one single union elevator mechanic salary for the entire country.
Elevator Installer Benefits
Salary is only one part of what an elevator mechanic can earn from a job. Depending on the employer, workers may receive health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off and other benefits. Union positions can also have benefit packages established through their agreements.
For this reason, someone comparing an elevator technician salary should look at total compensation instead of comparing hourly wages alone. A job with a slightly different hourly rate may have a different benefits package or overtime arrangement.
- Health insurance may be included.
- Retirement benefits may be available.
- Paid vacation or holidays may be offered.
- Training costs may be covered in an apprenticeship.
- Overtime can increase total annual earnings in some jobs.
Elevator Repair and Maintenance Salary
Repair and maintenance are a large part of the elevator trade. Buildings cannot simply install an elevator and leave it alone for years. Equipment needs regular service, parts eventually wear out and older systems may need modernization.
This creates opportunities for workers who prefer service and maintenance work instead of new construction. An elevator repair and maintenance salary can depend on experience, location, employer and the type of equipment being serviced.
Elevator Installer Career Outlook
The elevator trade is a specialized occupation, so the total number of jobs is much smaller than some other construction careers. At the same time, elevators and escalators need installation, maintenance and repair over their working life. Older equipment can also require modernization and replacement.
The BLS projects employment for elevator and escalator installers and repairers to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. BLS also projects about 2,000 openings each year, on average, over that period, including openings created when workers leave the occupation.
For a person considering this trade, the career outlook is therefore connected not only with new building construction but also with the ongoing need to maintain existing elevator systems.
Elevator Installer Salary Compared With Other Skilled Trades
People often compare elevator mechanic salary with other construction and skilled trade careers. Elevator installation and repair is a specialized occupation and its national median wage is relatively high compared with many general construction jobs. But the training is also more specialized and the work comes with safety responsibilities.
Instead of looking only at the highest salary number, workers should compare the complete career path. Apprenticeship length, starting pay, licensing, physical demands, overtime, benefits and local job availability all matter when choosing a trade.
| Career | What Workers Mainly Do |
|---|---|
| Elevator Installer and Repairer | Install, maintain and repair elevator systems |
| Electrician | Install and repair electrical systems |
| Plumber | Install and repair water and pipe systems |
| Carpenter | Build and install wood and other structures |
| HVAC Technician | Install and service heating and cooling systems |
How Much Can an Experienced Elevator Mechanic Make?
An experienced elevator mechanic can earn well above the pay of a new apprentice. The national BLS wage data gives a better picture than random salary estimates found on job websites. In May 2025, the median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $109,910, while the top 10 percent earned more than $158,890.
Still, these figures should be used as a guide rather than a personal salary promise. Experience, state, local wage rates, overtime and the employer can all change what an individual worker takes home during the year.
Final Thoughts on Elevator Installer and Repairer Salary
The Elevator Installer and Repairer Salary in the USA can be attractive for workers who are willing to learn a specialized skilled trade. The national median wage was $109,910 in May 2025, but starting pay is much lower for apprentices and actual earnings change by state, experience, employer and overtime.
This career is mainly for people who are comfortable with hands-on mechanical and electrical work and who can follow safety procedures carefully. An apprenticeship provides a practical way to enter the field, while experience can open the door to higher-paying mechanic, service, adjustment and supervisory work. Before applying, it is smart to check local licensing rules, apprenticeship opportunities and the current elevator mechanic salary in the state where you plan to work.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.