---
title: "How to Become an Elevator Mechanic: Path and Pay"
description: "How to become an elevator mechanic: the four-year apprenticeship, the aptitude test, state licensing and why elevator pay is near the top of the trades."
url: https://shapemycareer.com/trades/elevator-mechanic/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: ShapeMyCareer
---

Trade · Elevator mechanic

# How to become an elevator mechanic

Small trade, big paychecks, tough entry.

Apprenticeship · Electrical and mechanical

Elevator mechanics combine electrical, mechanical and hydraulic skills to install and service elevators, escalators and lifts. There are few of them, the training is long, and the pay is near the top of the construction trades.

In short

Most elevator mechanics complete a four-year apprenticeship, often through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, after passing an aptitude test. Many states license elevator mechanics once training is complete. Elevator and escalator installers earned a median $109,910 in May 2025, but with only about 24,700 jobs nationwide, openings are limited and competition for apprenticeships is strong.

**Sources checked October 10, 2026** Pay, training and outlook come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay is the middle (median) figure nationally; your first paycheck in the trade will usually be lower.

| Middle pay | $109,910 a year, roughly $52.84 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 24,700 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 5.7% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 1,900, counting retirements |

From the [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm) Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.

## Skills that help you get in

- Electrical or mechanical experience, including military
- Strong math and mechanical reasoning
- Comfort in tight spaces and shafts
- A clean driving record and drug test

Read the [elevator apprenticeship guide](https://shapemycareer.com/apprenticeships/elevator/) and try the [mechanical aptitude practice test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/mechanical-aptitude-test/).

### Build related skills first

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## Straight answers

### How long does it take to become an elevator mechanic?

About four years of apprenticeship, per BLS.

### Do elevator mechanics need a license?

Many states require one. Check with your state.

### Why is elevator mechanic pay so high?

The work is skilled, safety critical and the workforce is small and heavily unionized.

## Where this comes from

- [BLS OOH: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm)
- [Elevator and escalator installers and repairers in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm)
- [National Elevator Industry Educational Program](https://www.neiep.org/)
- [BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025 to 2035)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)

## Keep looking

- [Elevator apprenticeship](https://shapemycareer.com/apprenticeships/elevator/)
- [Elevator mechanic salary](https://shapemycareer.com/salary/elevator-mechanic/)
- [Mechanical aptitude test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/mechanical-aptitude-test/)
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