Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers assemble, install, and maintain electric or hydraulic lifting systems in buildings and public spaces. They work on freight and passenger elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, performing both new installations and ongoing repair and maintenance. Most work for elevator companies, building maintenance firms, or construction contractors.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against elevator and escalator installers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves traveling to job sites to install equipment, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems, and perform routine maintenance. Installers may spend time reading blueprints, measuring spaces, and ordering parts. They work at various heights using tools and diagnostic equipment. Tasks include welding components, adjusting hydraulic systems, testing safety features, and documenting work completed. Projects can last from a few hours to several weeks depending on scope.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You prefer hands-on work with mechanical systems and practical problem-solving. You're detail-oriented and methodical, following technical specifications and safety procedures without shortcuts. You work well independently and alongside teams, and you're comfortable with the physical demands and heights involved in this trade.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Bowling Equipment Repairer · Air Force Materiel Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $22.56–$26.31
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER · Army National Guard Units · Havre de Grace, Maryland · $24.5–$38.41
- SURFACE MAINTENANCE REPAIRER (TITLE 32) · Army National Guard Units · Harrisonville, Missouri · $33.04–$38.55
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer · Defense Logistics Agency · New Cumberland Defense Logistics Center, Pennsylvania · $28.06–$32.72
- Electrical Equipment Repairer-Wheelchair Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $30.48–$35.53
- Surface Maintenance Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent) · Army National Guard Units · Troutville, Virginia · $24.44–$31.73
- Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Milan, Michigan · $45.13–$52.7
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $25.49–$29.74
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $85,050 | $143,690 | $154,260 | 110 |
| Nevada | $126,270 | $141,950 | $165,790 | 510 |
| California | $120,900 | $141,180 | $161,230 | 1,910 |
| Oregon | $98,670 | $138,600 | $146,790 | 230 |
| Massachusetts | $83,020 | $138,420 | $153,760 | — |
| New Jersey | $125,040 | $137,920 | $167,130 | 800 |
| Washington | $100,710 | $137,180 | $153,370 | 540 |
| New York | $108,940 | $135,720 | $153,220 | 3,470 |
| Illinois | $94,850 | $133,690 | $160,450 | 1,080 |
| Minnesota | $102,320 | $128,020 | $131,040 | 550 |
| Missouri | $124,120 | $126,750 | $134,820 | 450 |
| Colorado | $74,150 | $123,360 | $125,950 | 530 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Elevator Technician (CET) — National Association of Elevator Contractors
- Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) — NAESA International
- Qualified Elevator Inspector Supervisor (QEI) — NAESA International
- Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) — National Association of Elevator Contractors
- Certified Elevator Inspection Supervisor (CEIS) — Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund
- Certified Elevator Inspector (CEI) — Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against elevator and escalator installers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-4021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.