Electrician vs Elevator Installer: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as a electrician or a elevator installer? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | ⚡ Electrician | 🛗 Elevator Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $29/hr | $46/hr |
| Median Annual | $60,300/yr | $95,700/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 11.0% | 6.0% |
| Total Jobs | 738,800 | 34,500 |
| Training Time | 5 years | 4 years |
| Top-Paying State | Hawaii ($81,400/yr) | New York ($130,000/yr) |
| Union Rate | $36.50/hr (IBEW) | $56/hr (IUEC) |
Salary Comparison
Electricians earn about $38,000/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both electricians and elevator installers are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
⚡ Choose Electrician if...
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. It's one of the highest-paying trades with strong demand across every state.
Electrician salary data →🛗 Choose Elevator Installer if...
Elevator installers and repairers assemble, install, and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. It is consistently the highest-paid construction trade, and getting into the union apprenticeship is highly competitive.
Elevator Installer salary data →Training difference: Both require 4-5 year apprenticeships, but elevator is harder to get into
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Elevator Installers earn a slightly higher national median of $95,700/yr compared to $60,300/yr for electricians.
Electrician jobs are projected to grow at 11.0% over the next decade, compared to 6.0% for elevator installers.
Both require 4-5 year apprenticeships, but elevator is harder to get into. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.