Elevator Installer Careers & Salary Information
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.
National Salary Overview
Elevator Installer Specialties
Elevator Installers can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Elevator Constructor
Installs new elevators from the ground up in high-rise and mid-rise buildings. The highest-paid construction specialty, with a notoriously competitive apprenticeship.
Elevator Modernization Technician
Upgrades older elevators with new controls, motors, and safety systems. Growing segment as the existing elevator fleet ages.
Escalator Technician
Installs and maintains escalators and moving walkways in malls, transit stations, and airports. Same union, similar pay to elevator work.
Explore Elevator Installer Topics
Elevator Installer Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Elevator Installer salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level elevator installers typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level elevator installers in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union elevator installers earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified elevator installer depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Elevator Installer work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified elevator installers have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a elevator installer's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.