Occupation · SOC 47-4021
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Median wage
$106,580
$54,720–$149,250
Projected growth
+5.0%
Average growth
Annual openings
120
per year
Employed (US)
23,340
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
328 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingEquipment MaintenanceOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisInstallationJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment SelectionComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningOperation and ControlSystems AnalysisReading ComprehensionMonitoringActive LearningTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSpeakingCoordinationWritingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationPersuasionLearning StrategiesMathematicsInstructingManagement of Personnel ResourcesNegotiationTechnology DesignScienceManagement of Material ResourcesOperations AnalysisManagement of Financial ResourcesProgramming
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceBuilding and ConstructionPublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementDesignAdministrativeEducation and TrainingPhysicsTransportationTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesChemistryProduction and ProcessingEconomics and AccountingMedicine and DentistryGeographyPsychologyCommunications and MediaPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsBiologyFood Production
Technology & tools
Computerized maintenance management system CMMSElevator Controls INTERACTMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordScheduling softwareTroubleshooting softwareWORLD Electronics Freedomware
Representative tasks
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsWorking with ComputersAnalyzing Data or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsTraining and Teaching OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAssisting and Caring for OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersThinking CreativelyResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and basic power tools — identify and use under direct supervision during elevator component assembly on a commercial job site.Wiring connections and control panel hookups — inspect under journeyman guidance to verify correct installation in a new elevator system.Test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters — select and apply under supervision to perform basic electrical checks on elevator circuits.Safety regulations and building codes — recognize and reference under direction when preparing service reports on an active installation site.Blueprints and schematic diagrams — read and interpret with guidance to identify layout of system components and foundation requirements.Steel cables and car frames — assist in connecting to counterweights under close supervision during a structured apprenticeship installation.Door installations and hoistway clearances — observe and record alignment measurements under a lead installer's direction.Elevator and escalator components such as locks, gears, and seals — identify and distinguish by function during supervised disassembly exercises.Oral instructions and technical briefings from lead mechanics — listen actively and follow step-by-step to complete assigned installation subtasks.Basic maintenance schedules and work orders — read and carry out routine tasks under direction on residential and light-commercial elevator units.
developing
Elevator assemblies including car frames, counterweights, and guide rails — install and align with limited oversight on mid-rise commercial projects.Brakes, motors, and switches — locate malfunctions using test equipment and standard troubleshooting procedures in routine service calls.Safety controls and door mechanisms — adjust and calibrate independently to meet code tolerances on established elevator systems.Defective units — disassemble and repair or replace components such as cables, gears, and brake linings following manufacturer specifications.Service reports and conformance checklists — complete accurately to verify compliance with safety regulations and local building codes.Escalator and moving sidewalk drive components — maintain and service on a routine schedule, adapting procedures to equipment age and condition.Control panel wiring and signal systems — test and correct connections with reduced supervision during periodic inspections at commercial facilities.Counterweights and valves — adjust using appropriate hand and power tools, referencing blueprint details to confirm correct specification.Facilities management software and scheduling tools — use to log work orders, track maintenance intervals, and coordinate with building managers.Hydraulic seals and ratchet mechanisms — inspect, assess wear, and replace as needed during planned preventive maintenance visits.
proficient
Complex elevator and escalator systems — assemble, install, and commission autonomously across full project scope on high-rise commercial and institutional sites.Intermittent or non-routine malfunctions in control systems, signal networks, and drive motors — diagnose independently using analytical software and precision test instruments.Wiring schematics, load calculations, and engineering drawings — interpret and apply without assistance to resolve installation conflicts and optimize system layout.Safety control adjustments including governor assemblies and emergency brake systems — perform and verify to strict code tolerances with no oversight required.Multi-trade installation sequences — coordinate and integrate elevator work within broader construction timelines, managing interface with electrical and structural contractors.Non-standard or legacy elevator equipment — evaluate condition, develop repair strategies, and execute complex part replacements under variable site conditions.Quality control inspections of completed installations — conduct systematically, identifying deficiencies and directing corrective action before final acceptance.Apprentices and helpers on active job sites — mentor and coach on technical procedures, code requirements, and safe working practices during daily work.Critical system failures during high-occupancy building operations — respond, troubleshoot, and restore service efficiently while managing occupant safety.Technical service documentation and conformance reports — produce with precision, ensuring records satisfy regulatory authority and liability requirements.
advanced
Company-wide installation and maintenance standards — develop, document, and enforce across multiple crews and project sites to ensure consistent quality and code compliance.Workforce competency programs for elevator mechanics — design and lead apprenticeship and continuing-education curricula aligned with union and licensing requirements.Large-scale modernization and new-construction projects — oversee full lifecycle from blueprint review and equipment selection through commissioning and final inspection.Organizational safety culture and regulatory compliance strategy — establish and drive, integrating building code updates and OSHA requirements into field operations.Technical escalations involving novel system failures or design anomalies — resolve by applying deep systems-analysis expertise and directing cross-functional investigation teams.Facilities management and analytical software platforms — evaluate, select, and implement at organizational level to improve maintenance scheduling and performance tracking.Vendor and manufacturer relationships — manage strategically to negotiate equipment specifications, secure preferred-pricing agreements, and influence product development priorities.Field supervisors and project managers — mentor and develop, building organizational leadership capacity and succession depth across the construction and maintenance divisions.Capital investment proposals for major equipment upgrades or fleet replacements — author and present to executive leadership with supporting engineering and financial analysis.Industry standards bodies and code committees — represent the organization, contributing occupational expertise to shape regulatory updates that affect elevator and escalator safety nationwide.
Also known as
31 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Tech)Accessibility Lift Technician (Accessibility Lift Tech)Building ServicemanContract ServicemanElevator AdjusterElevator BuilderElevator ConstructorElevator ErectorElevator ExaminerElevator Installation WorkerElevator InstallerElevator Lift Technician (Elevator Lift Tech)Elevator MechanicElevator Repair and Maintenance Technician (Elevator Repair and Maintenance Tech)Elevator RepairerElevator Service MechanicElevator Service Technician (Elevator Service Tech)Elevator ServicemanElevator Technician (Elevator Tech)Elevator TroubleshooterElevator WorkerEscalator InstallerEscalator Maintenance TechnicianEscalator MechanicEscalator Service MechanicFreight Elevator ErectorHydraulic Elevator ConstructorInstallerPlatform Power Technician (Platform Power Tech)Repair Maintenance WorkerTransit Elevator Maintenance Technician