Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers Salary Guide 2025: $109,910 Median, 5% Growth
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn a median of $109,910 per year, or about $53 an hour, according to 2024 BLS estimates. The top 10% make over $158,890, while starting pay is around $59,270.
How much Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers earn
The median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers is $109,910. The mean hourly wage is about $53. That puts this occupation well above the national median for all jobs.
Earnings range widely. Newer workers or those in lower-paying states see about $59,270 at the 10th percentile. Experienced workers or those in high-demand areas can reach $158,890 at the 90th percentile.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. The top-paying states for this occupation are Maine ($143,690), Nevada ($141,950), California ($141,180), Oregon ($138,600), and Massachusetts ($138,420).
On the other end, the lowest-paying states are New Mexico ($71,430), Arkansas ($61,530), and Kentucky ($42,670).
How to become Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer
Most workers learn through a 4-year apprenticeship sponsored by a union or contractor association. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Requirements usually include a high school diploma or GED, being at least 18, and passing a drug test and aptitude exam. Many states also require a license to work as an elevator constructor.
- Complete a 4-year apprenticeship (e.g., through NEIEP or IEC).
- Pass state licensing exam where required.
- Learn mechanical, electrical, and electronic skills on the job.
- Earn while you learn; apprentices start at 50% of journeyman pay.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,000 job openings per year, mostly due to retirements and the need to maintain existing elevators and escalators.
New construction and the installation of smart, energy-efficient elevator systems will also drive demand. The occupation is small (23,790 workers in 2024), so openings are relatively limited but steady.
Frequently asked questions
Do elevator installers need a license?
Most states require a license to work as an elevator constructor. Licensing typically involves passing an exam and completing an apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
How long does it take to become a journeyman elevator installer?
Most apprenticeship programs last 4 years, with on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completion, workers are considered journeymen and earn full pay.
Is elevator repair a dangerous job?
Yes. The occupation has higher-than-average injury risks, including falls, electrical shocks, and crushing injuries. Strict safety protocols and training are essential.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers data.