Elevator mechanics are consistently ranked among the highest-paid tradespeople in America. Here’s why they earn so much and what the full compensation picture looks like in 2026.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for elevator and escalator installers and repairers, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,270 | $28.50 |
| 25th | $79,290 | $38.12 |
| 50th (median) | $109,910 | $52.84 |
| 75th | $135,720 | $65.25 |
| 90th | $158,890 | $76.39 |
| Average (mean) | $109,820 | $52.80 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
Elevator Mechanic Salary Overview
By Experience Level
| Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $25–$35 | $52,000–$73,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 3–4) | $35–$48 | $73,000–$100,000 |
| Journeyman elevator mechanic | $45–$65 | $94,000–$135,000 |
| Senior / foreman | $55–$80 | $115,000–$166,000 |
| Maintenance contractor (self-employed) | $75–$125 | $150,000–$260,000 |
BLS Median Wage Data (2025)
- Median annual wage: $99,000
- Top 10%: $130,000+
- Bottom 10%: $60,000
Elevator Mechanic Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $141,910 | $102,920 | $141,950 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $138,440 | $89,410 | $137,920 |
| 3 | California | $137,670 | $74,670 | $141,180 |
| 4 | New York | $130,360 | $78,180 | $135,720 |
| 5 | Oregon | $128,170 | $76,440 | $138,600 |
| 6 | Washington | $127,680 | $76,120 | $137,180 |
| 7 | Illinois | $125,180 | $67,460 | $133,690 |
| 8 | Missouri | $123,640 | $76,980 | $126,750 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $123,100 | $78,600 | $138,420 |
| 10 | Maine | $122,840 | $79,300 | $143,690 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $115,070 | $64,940 | $128,020 |
| 12 | Maryland | $110,960 | $78,620 | $122,260 |
| 13 | District of Columbia | $107,660 | $65,870 | $122,570 |
| 14 | South Dakota | $107,000 | $83,270 | $116,320 |
| 15 | Iowa | $105,700 | $65,470 | $115,300 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $105,230 | $63,280 | $117,250 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $102,760 | $62,150 | $117,690 |
| 18 | Colorado | $100,930 | $46,060 | $123,360 |
| 19 | Virginia | $100,780 | $50,220 | $108,250 |
| 20 | Michigan | $100,240 | $47,820 | $99,140 |
| 21 | Kansas | $98,730 | $49,550 | $84,760 |
| 22 | Alabama | $96,650 | $73,010 | $103,700 |
| 23 | Ohio | $95,890 | $56,860 | $105,020 |
| 24 | Indiana | $94,550 | $58,450 | $92,390 |
| 25 | Florida | $94,480 | $58,440 | $104,730 |
| 26 | Texas | $93,160 | $55,820 | $102,140 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $93,140 | $59,520 | $100,490 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $91,210 | $46,710 | $107,700 |
| 29 | South Carolina | $90,300 | $60,450 | $90,860 |
| 30 | Utah | $90,030 | $61,930 | $81,060 |
| 31 | Oklahoma | $88,190 | $36,110 | $105,430 |
| 32 | Montana | $81,630 | $60,380 | $90,370 |
| 33 | Georgia | $80,520 | $34,270 | $83,500 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $80,170 | $42,640 | $71,430 |
| 35 | Wisconsin | $78,680 | $48,620 | $77,640 |
| 36 | Arkansas | $73,150 | $37,870 | $61,530 |
| 37 | Kentucky | $54,820 | $39,420 | $42,670 |
| — | National | $109,820 | $59,270 | $109,910 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate. New York and California wages are dramatically higher due to strong IUEC locals and high cost of living adjustments.
Union vs. Non-Union Elevator Work
| Factor | IUEC Union | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45–$90+ | $30–$55 |
| Pension | Defined benefit pension | Rarely |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive | Varies |
| Apprentice program | Structured 4-year | 2-year or OJT |
| Job security | High; union protections | Lower |
| Geographic access | Major metros + union states | All areas |
| Best states | NY, CA, IL, NJ, MA | TX, FL, Southeast |
Types of Elevator Work
| Specialization | Description | Pay Premium |
|---|---|---|
| New installation | Installing elevators in new construction | Highest pay; hazardous premium |
| Maintenance contracts | Regular inspection and servicing | Steady; lower variance |
| Emergency repair | On-call for breakdowns | Premium overtime rates |
| Modernization | Upgrading older elevator systems | Growing segment |
| Escalator / moving walkway | Airport, mall, transit systems | Similar pay to elevator |
| Accessibility lift systems | Residential and commercial | Growing segment |
Apprenticeship Program Details
| Phase | Duration | Pay (% of journeyman) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 12 months | 50% |
| Year 2 | 12 months | 60% |
| Year 3 | 12 months | 70% |
| Year 4 | 12 months | 80–85% |
| Journeyman | After completion | 100% ($45–$65+/hr) |
IUEC apprentices also receive employer-sponsored schooling at NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program).
Job Outlook
The BLS projects 6% job growth for elevator installers and repairers through 2035. Growth drivers:
- Building renovation and modernization of aging elevator systems
- New high-rise construction in urban areas
- Increasing demand for accessibility equipment
- Replacement of retiring workforce
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