Changing Career from Zero to Elevator Installation and Maintenance? High-Paying Career, Get a Stable Job!

Changing Career from Zero to Elevator Installation and Maintenance? High-Paying Career, Get a Stable Job!

As cities grow and buildings reach new heights, the demand for elevator installation and maintenance professionals in the United States is skyrocketing. Whether you’re looking for a high-paying, stable job with minimal entry barriers, this career path offers incredible opportunities.

Strong Industry Growth & High Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% job growth for elevator installers and repairers from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by:

  ✔ The increasing number of high-rise buildings.

  ✔ Aging elevators that require regular maintenance.

  ✔ The need for skilled technicians to keep up with safety and technological advancements.

Companies across the U.S. struggle to find qualified professionals, making this a high-demand, lucrative trade.

How Much Can You Earn?

Elevator installers and repairers rank among the highest-paid blue-collar professionals in the U.S. According to BLS data:

✔ Median annual wage: $97,860.
✔ Top 10% earn over: $130,940 per year.
✔ Hourly wage range: $30–$60 per hour, depending on experience and location.

🔹 Highest-paying states: New York, California, Illinois, Texas, and Florida.

🔹 Union workers: Many professionals are members of unions like the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), which provides additional benefits.

Compared to other trades, elevator technicians out-earn electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians in most cases!

Graduates of Paul Mitchell Schools are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in competitive beauty fields, making this one of the best choices for aspiring cosmetologists.

No experience? No problem!

For those who have no experience, it is not out of reach to enter the elevator installation and maintenance industry.

Many companies offer apprenticeship training programs that allow newcomers to learn on the job. Even without a relevant electrical or mechanical background, after 1 to 4 years of training, you can become a qualified elevator technician. In the process, apprentices can not only gain practical experience, but also pass exams to obtain professional certificates in elevator installation and maintenance, paving the way for career development.

Unlike careers that require expensive degrees, becoming an elevator installer or repairer does not require a college education. Most professionals enter through apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training.

How to Get Started?

1 . Apply for an Apprenticeship

  • IUEC Elevator Apprenticeship Program: Offers 4-year paid training, including classroom instruction and hands-on work.

  • Average starting pay for apprentices: $40,000–$50,000 per year (with salary increases over time).

  • Learn more: neiep.org(National Elevator Industry Education Program)

2 . Trade Schools & Certification Programs

  • Some technical schools offer courses in elevator mechanics and safety.

  • Recommended programs: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC).

3 . Entry-Level Jobs

  • Many companies hire entry-level assistants who learn on the job and gradually move up.

Where to Find Job Openings?

Many companies are actively hiring across the U.S.. You can find thousands of job listings on these platforms:

🔹 Indeed – Search “elevator installer” or “elevator repair technician.”

🔹 Glassdoor – Check company reviews and salary reports.

🔹 ZipRecruiter – Easy job matching with real-time salary data.

🔹 IUEC Local Unions – Find apprenticeship openings and union-backed job listings.

📌 Current Example Listings：

✔ Otis Elevator Company (New York, NY) – Hiring elevator repair technicians.

✔ Schindler Group (Los Angeles, California) – Entry-level elevator technician $58,000 to $79,000.

✔ KONE (Chicago, IL) – Senior elevator mechanic positions available. These positions offer job security, competitive salaries, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay.

Real Success Story: From Fast Food to Six-Figure Salary

🚀 Meet Jake, a 26-year-old from Texas who went from flipping burgers to earning $100,000+ as an elevator repair technician.

💬 “I had no college degree, no experience in mechanics, and was struggling with low-paying jobs. I applied for an apprenticeship with Otis, trained for 4 years, and now I make six figures fixing and installing elevators. Best decision I ever made!”

Many others have successfully transitioned into this career from backgrounds like retail, warehouse work, and construction.

Final Thoughts: Is This Career Right for You?

✅ You enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving.

✅ You want job stability in a high-demand field.

✅ You want to earn $80,000–$130,000+ per year.

✅ You’re open to apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

If this sounds like you, then you can apply for this job! The demand for elevator professionals has never been higher – secure your future in this high-paying, recession-proof career.

Next step: Apply for jobs on Indeed or explore apprenticeships on neiep.org.