Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

O*NET 47-4021.00 · SOC 47-4021

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $110k a year with +5.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$110k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
2k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Install elevator guide rails, cables, and counterweights in shafts
  • →Wire elevator control panels and connect electrical components
  • →Test elevator safety brakes and emergency stop systems
  • →Diagnose malfunctions in elevator motors and control circuits
  • →Lubricate elevator machinery and cables during routine maintenance visits

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningInstall elevator guide rails, cables, and counterweights in shafts
MiddayWire elevator control panels and connect electrical components
AfternoonTest elevator safety brakes and emergency stop systems

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)3.9
Investigative (Thinkers)2.4
Social (Helpers)1.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.2
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics+2.3%Crane and Tower Operators+3.8%Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians+9.7%Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers+5.7%Continuous Mining Machine Operators+3.2%Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders+5.9%Rail Car Repairers+2.6%Tire Builders+0.8%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers is projected to grow 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

33/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·50% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer make?

The median Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer earns $110k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer jobs?

Our model puts Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 50% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.

Is Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer?

Most Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes