Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

SOC code 47-4021 · O*NET-SOC 47-4021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$109,910

a year

Hourly

$52.84

per hour

10th$59,270Median$109,91090th$158,890

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$109,820

$52.80 per hour

Middle 50%

$79,290 – $135,720

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$59,270 – $158,890

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

23,790

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $59,270; $28.49/hr
25th percentile: $79,290; $38.12/hr
Median percentile: $109,910; $52.84/hr
75th percentile: $135,720; $65.25/hr
90th percentile: $158,890; $76.39/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+5%

Growing faster than average

24,200

jobs in 2024

25,400

projected for 2034

About 1,200 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do elevator and escalator installers and repairers do?

Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Inspect wiring connections, control panel hookups, door installations, and alignments and clearances of cars and hoistways to ensure that equipment will operate properly.
Assemble, install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters, using hand and power tools, and testing devices such as test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
Disassemble defective units, and repair or replace parts such as locks, gears, cables, and electric wiring.
Check that safety regulations and building codes are met, and complete service reports verifying conformance to standards.
Assemble elevator cars, installing each car's platform, walls, and doors.
Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test equipment.
Bolt or weld steel rails to the walls of shafts to guide elevators, working from scaffolding or platforms.
Adjust safety controls, counterweights, door mechanisms, and components such as valves, ratchets, seals, and brake linings.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)47%
Post-Secondary Certificate47%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Some College Courses0%

Common questions

How much does an elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn?

The national median is $109,910 a year. The full range runs from $59,270 at the 10th percentile to $158,890 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an elevator and escalator installers and repairers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is elevator and escalator installers and repairers in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.6/5
Active Listening3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Building and Construction3.6/5
Public Safety and Security3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
English Language3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, Installation, Quality Control Analysis.