Become an Elevator Installer
Elevator installation is a rewarding career that you can pursue after completing a technical training program. The job requires both physical and mental strength, as well as knowledge of how to use the tools and equipment used in the field. While it can be exciting to install elevators, it is important to consider the risks involved with this type of work before deciding if this career path is right for you.
Becoming an elevator installer requires completing an apprenticeship program and obtaining state certification. The apprenticeship program consists of 144 hours of classroom instruction followed by 960 hours of on-the-job training with a licensed journeyman elevator installer. In addition, applicants must pass a written exam administered by their state’s Department of Labor.
Elevator Installers earn between $44,000 and $60,000 per year depending on their level of experience and geographical location in which they live or work.
How To Become Elevator Installer
To become a professional elevator installer, you must first undergo a four-year elevator installer apprenticeship. During the program, you will learn everything you need to know about installing, repairing, and maintaining not just elevators, but escalators, walkways, and other moving lifts as well.
A high school diploma or GED is a requirement for an elevator installer apprenticeship. Apart from that, you must pass a physical exam and a drug test to qualify. Elevator installer apprentices need to be physically fit, have good hand-eye coordination, have good balance, and be able to work at heights. To pass each year of the program, an apprentice must complete at least 144 of technical instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.
An elevator installer apprentice will learn skills like assembling/disassembling elevator parts, interpreting blueprints, repairing faulty components, and conducting preventive maintenance on different types of lifts. During on-the-job training, an apprentice can earn roughly $18.07 an hour or about $37,589 a year, making elevator installation one of the highest-paid apprenticeships there are.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an elevator installer apprentice. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.43 an hour? That’s $34,165 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 10% and produce 2,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
What Does an Elevator Installer Apprentice Do
There are certain skills that many elevator installer apprentices have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed mechanical skills, detail oriented and troubleshooting skills.
How To Become an Elevator Installer Apprentice
If you’re interested in becoming an elevator installer apprentice, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 20.3% of elevator installer apprentices have a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 1.3% of elevator installer apprentices have master’s degrees. Even though some elevator installer apprentices have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become an elevator installer apprentice. When we researched the most common majors for an elevator installer apprentice, we found that they most commonly earn high school diploma degrees or associate degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on elevator installer apprentice resumes include bachelor’s degree degrees or diploma degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become an elevator installer apprentice. In fact, many elevator installer apprentice jobs require experience in a role such as elevator mechanic. Meanwhile, many elevator installer apprentices also have previous career experience in roles such as aircraft mechanic or carpenter.Show More.
It is typically required for elevator installers and repairers to learn through an apprenticeship program and currently, 35 states require a license to work. A high school diploma or equivalent is needed. It would be advantageous for a high school student to take classes in mechanical drawing, shop, and math, so that they may be more competitive for openings in the apprenticeship program.
The apprenticeship program takes 4-years and each year requires students to have at least 144 hours of related technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Unions and some contractors offer apprenticeship programs and for one to enter they must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or the equivalent, be physically able to do the job, and pass a test in reading, math, and mechanical aptitude.
After elevator installers and repairers are fully trained they are expected to stay current with technological developments during their careers. Since 35 states require licensing, you should check the specific requirements for the state they will be working in.
Job Description of a Elevator Installer and Repairer
The duties of an elevator installer and repairer usually include reading blueprints to determine what equipment is needed for the job and to locate malfunctions in the switches, brakes, motors, and control systems. They may install or repair cables motors, elevator doors, and control systems.
Elevator installers and repairers connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors. They use test equipment to diagnose problems and adjust safety controls, counterweights, and door mechanisms. They test newly installed equipment to ensure all specifications are met and that the elevator meets all safety regulations and building codes. Elevator mechanics frequently work in elevator machine rooms that are located at the top of elevator hoist-ways. Repairers often work overtime and may possibly be required to be on call 24-hours-a-day.
Elevator Installer and Repairer Career Video Transcript
From moving walkways and escalators at the airport… to skyscraper elevators… and even chair lifts at ski areas… elevator installers and repairers keep people moving to where they want to go. Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain lift equipment. Usually they specialize in one phase of the work: installation, maintenance, or repairs. Elevators and lifts require maintenance such as oiling and greasing parts, replacing worn components and adjusting equipment, including computerized control systems. The work requires the ability to troubleshoot, based on a strong knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity.
Elevator installers and repairers work in crews for major repairs such as replacing cables or bearings. They also ensure that equipment complies with safety regulations and building codes. Most elevator installers and repairers work for building equipment contractors. They often work in cramped crawl spaces and machine rooms… sometimes high up in elevator shafts. They often need protective equipment such as harnesses and safety glasses. Almost all work full time, and maybe on call 24-hours a day when necessary. Nearly all elevator installers and repairers learn through a 4-year apprenticeship, which requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Classes in math, mechanical drawing, and shop can be helpful. Most states require licensure.
