Elevator and escalator installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters. Federal job definition
How people get into it
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists apprenticeship as the typical training for this job.
Nearly all learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship.
A career in elevator or escalator installation and repair typically begins with a 4-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association, or employer.
For each year of a typical program, apprentices must complete a predetermined number of hours of technical instruction and paid on-the-job training.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Apprenticeship
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (37 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $103,700 | 170 |
| Arkansas | $61,530 | 60 |
| California | $141,180 | 1,910 |
| Colorado | $123,360 | 530 |
| District of Columbia | $122,570 | — |
| Florida | $104,730 | 2,790 |
| Georgia | $83,500 | 640 |
| Illinois | $133,690 | 1,080 |
| Indiana | $92,390 | 120 |
| Iowa | $115,300 | 90 |
| Kansas | $84,760 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $42,670 | — |
| Maine | $143,690 | 110 |
| Maryland | $122,260 | 810 |
| Massachusetts | $138,420 | — |
| Michigan | $99,140 | 560 |
| Minnesota | $128,020 | 550 |
| Missouri | $126,750 | 450 |
| Montana | $90,370 | 40 |
| Nebraska | $117,690 | 140 |
| Nevada | $141,950 | 510 |
| New Jersey | $137,920 | 800 |
| New Mexico | $71,430 | 110 |
| New York | $135,720 | 3,470 |
| North Carolina | $107,700 | 240 |
| Ohio | $105,020 | 690 |
| Oklahoma | $105,430 | 140 |
| Oregon | $138,600 | 230 |
| Pennsylvania | $117,250 | 900 |
| South Carolina | $90,860 | 540 |
| South Dakota | $116,320 | — |
| Tennessee | $100,490 | 700 |
| Texas | $102,140 | 2,030 |
| Utah | $81,060 | 280 |
| Virginia | $108,250 | 280 |
| Washington | $137,180 | 540 |
| Wisconsin | $77,640 | 370 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 24,700
- Openings each year
- 1,900projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- +5.7%expected to grow 5.7%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.