Elevator Installer/Repairer
Elevator installers and repairers are skilled professionals responsible for the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of elevator systems, as well as escalators and moving walkways. They ensure that these systems meet stringent safety regulations and operate efficiently, often working from architectural blueprints to guide their installations. The role requires a high school diploma, and most individuals enter the field through apprenticeship programs, gaining practical experience on the job.
These technicians typically work in various settings, including commercial buildings, factories, and residential complexes, where their tasks may involve working in tight or elevated spaces. Daily responsibilities include conducting routine maintenance, diagnosing issues with electrical systems, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Technological proficiency is essential, as elevator technicians must stay updated on advancements in equipment and repair methods.
With a median annual income of approximately $102,420, this career offers good earning potential, although employment growth in the field is projected to be modest. The work environment can present hazards, making safety protocols crucial to the job. Overall, elevator installer and repairer roles attract candidates with mechanical interests and strong problem-solving abilities, providing opportunities for both teamwork and independent work.
Elevator Installer/Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Interests: Mechanics, solving problems, analyzing information, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Median): $102,420 per year $49.24 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Apprenticeship
Overview
Sphere of Work. Elevator technicians install, troubleshoot, and repair elevator systems. Professional elevator technicians are licensed mechanical professionals who install building transport systems to the design specifications of both government and industry safety standards. Elevator repair professionals are trained in diagnosing and repairing routine and emergency elevator problems such as faulty electrical wiring, sensors, control panels, and ventilation. They sometimes help trapped passengers and are responsible for repairing any damage to the elevator or elevator system as a result of a fire. They also perform annual testing and replace and update older equipment and systems. In addition, elevator technicians often install and repair escalators and moving walkways.
Work Environment. Elevator technicians work in various multi-floor buildings, including commercial buildings, factories, and residences. Because elevators are often accessed through public areas of a building, many elevator-repair tasks are conducted in lobbies and common areas. Work on control panels and similar components is usually completed in building substructures or utility rooms. Inspection and repair of elevator pulleys and weight systems may require accessing elevator shafts. Header tanks, which house much of the technological infrastructure of elevator systems, are traditionally kept on building rooftops.
Occupation Interest. Elevator installation and repair attracts various candidates from different educational and professional backgrounds. Most are technologically savvy individuals with analytical problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and high inductive-reasoning capabilities. Elevator installations are intricate processes that require large teams of contractors. Routine elevator maintenance usually requires one or two mechanics, making the trade suitable for those who enjoy working alone or in groups.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Elevator installers and repairers usually specialize in installation, repair, or maintenance. Installers work with building architects and construction engineers and review architectural blueprints to determine the scope of work and the type of tools and supplies needed to complete the installation. Installers work on scaffolding and platforms to bolt and weld the elevator walls to the shaft. Elevator technicians must ensure that each elevator is installed according to specific safety regulations and legal requirements. Depending on the size and number of elevators required for a particular project, installations can take several weeks to months.
Installers and maintenance workers generally need a greater knowledge of electricity, electrical systems, and electronics, as most of their work involves maintaining elevators and troubleshooting problems. Common tasks related to routine maintenance include lubricating parts and replacing lighting and damaged safety signage. Other maintenance tasks include fixing malfunctioning control panels and general cosmetic repairs.
Elevator, escalator, and automated walkway maintenance can expose technicians to potentially hazardous conditions and environments. Technicians often come in contact with dangerous equipment, so adherence to safety protocol and protective gear is a critical part of the job.
Elevator technicians must also maintain logs that carefully document any routine maintenance conducted, replacement parts issued, and other pertinent information useful to future maintenance mechanics. Such information is also required by law for elevators to pass annual license certification.
Elevator Repairers (825.281-030). Elevator Repairers are also called maintenance mechanics. They do preventive maintenance on elevators, escalators, and similar equipment to meet safety regulations and building codes.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Elevator technicians work in and around elevator cars, shafts, and physical plant locations and control rooms. Installers and repairers often work in tight, cramped indoor spaces within buildings or in buildings under construction, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
Human Environment. Much of elevator repair's technical and mechanical aspects are conducted individually or with small groups of fellow technicians. Elevator technicians may be required to interact with other building maintenance staff members.
Technological Environment. Elevator technicians possess a strong technical aptitude and familiarity with elevator systems' technical and non-technical aspects. Elevator company employees must often undergo ongoing training to stay knowledgeable of new technologies and repair methods.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career as an elevator technician with coursework in algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and computers. English and composition classes can prepare students for the communication and problem-solving aspects of the job. Courses in industrial arts and any physics-related courses are also beneficial to students interested in a career in mechanical maintenance, as these aid in their understanding of physical principles, material dynamics, and mechanical processes.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not traditionally a prerequisite for employment as an elevator technician. Most elevator installers and repairers enroll in an apprenticeship program. Programs are offered by local unions, employers, or independent contractors.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Elevator Installers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.