How to Become an Elevator Mechanic: Licensing, Salary & More

Elevator mechanics are skilled tradespersons who apply their engineering, machinery, repairs, and construction knowledge to work with moving machines like elevators.

Although you don’t always see them working, every lift you take needs supervision and maintenance by a skilled technician who understands how it works.

Elevator mechanics don’t have an easy time at work, but their accomplishments are immensely gratifying. You can take on multiple jobs daily and go to different places to work. Elevator mechanics make good earnings, but you must follow specific steps to become skilled at the position. If you are ready to start learning how to become an elevator mechanic, this article breaks down the basics so that you know where to start.

What is the Role of an Elevator Mechanic?

An elevator mechanic is a professional who applies learned knowledge of engineering, construction, and electricity to maintain and build elevators and other machines that move. This role involves installation, assembly, knowledge of hydraulics and additional specialized information and requires thorough training.

Below are some of the functions that an elevator mechanic performs on a typical day at work:

• Identify issues in the lift and work on malfunctioning equipment
• Read and apply blueprints
• Assemble moving machines that require knowledge of traction and hydraulics
• Check the wiring of electrical units and work on them when necessary
• Inspecting machine equipment to ensure that all run according to safety and quality standards
• Perform quality control by gathering and reporting data during routine inspections

This job requires good health and physical stamina and is not for people who tire easily. However, it is a promising career with multiple benefits if you have what it takes.

Do Elevator Mechanics Only Work on Lifts?

Although their name indicates only elevators, elevator mechanics can work on multiple different machines that require movement. One example is escalators, which can receive maintenance from an elevator mechanic. Moving walkways also require the attention of elevator mechanics in some instances.

Most elevator mechanics specialize in a single aspect of their occupation, like installation, repair, or maintenance. These professionals frequently crawl through tight spaces and work in shafts. However, each type of work has unique criteria.

Is Being An Elevator Mechanic a Difficult Job?

Being an elevator mechanic is physically and psychologically demanding. Your work environment varies depending on location and the type of work needed. Sometimes, you’ll work in a high or cramped space. If you’re claustrophobic, this career is not the best for you. Additionally, you must be a patient person who can manage stress well.

This job is quite stressful and comes with life-threatening dangers. Additionally, it’s not a “clean” job because you may have oil and sheetrock covering you after most shifts. It’s a physically demanding job that requires being fit and healthy.

Before you decide to enter the industry, make sure you speak to someone with experience in this position. You can ask them questions about their daily responsibilities, the most challenging aspects of the job, and what they wish they had information on before starting.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as An Elevator Mechanic?

Elevator mechanics must have multiple skills to thrive in their career and to stay safe. It is a dangerous job that involves heights, electricity, and chemicals. Besides being fit and having stamina, you must also have:

• Good problem-solving skills that help you diagnose problems quickly and efficiently
• Attention to detail to ensure that the machine you are working on is safe for people to board
• A high level of patience to manage the stress that comes with the job
• Strong knowledge of safety measures
• Mechanical skills that you build through experience and certifications
• Interpretation skills to work with and apply blueprints as you work
• Excellent communication skills to work with teams and relay information with minimal errors
• Knowledge of electricity, new and emerging technologies, and power tools

The more you get into the technical aspects of the job and invest in certifications, apprenticeships, and training, the better your chances are of landing a good job.

Do You Need a Degree or Certifications to Work as an Elevator Mechanic?

As with most positions, you need at least a high school diploma or GED to enter the field. However, most employers, especially those in large corporations, require that their mechanics have a bachelor’s or associate degree to work. Many elevator mechanics are parts of a worker’s union, and the latter may require a degree and passing the National Elevator Industry Educational Program exam.

If you know a particular company you want to work in, try understanding the position’s requirements beforehand. If you need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, you may need to invest additional time to obtain them before applying.

Of course, if you have sufficient experience, you may not need to rely on a college degree to start working. In college, you learn essential skills like physics, mathematics, safety applications, and electrical theory before starting on-the-job training. One way to build knowledge is to become an apprentice and learn the ropes, working your way up from there.

How Much Do Elevator Mechanics Make Annually?

Because it is such a difficult job, elevator mechanics make good wages. According to Career Explorer, elevator mechanics make an average salary of $98,000 annually. Glassdoor places that number between $38,000 - $70,000, while ZipRecruiter estimates the salary between $40,000 - $100,000.

Being an elevator mechanic may not be an easy job. Multiple factors influence how much you’ll make on the job. If you have limited experience and education, you won’t receive the same salary as a person who underwent licensing and certifications and has a wealth of knowledge. Still, the financial returns of specializing in this area allow you to make more than people in many other industries.

How Can You Get Started?

Now that you know what the job of an elevator mechanic entails, it’s time to start applying to jobs. Fortunately, elevator mechanics are in high demand, and they receive excellent work opportunities simply from being in a union. Alternatively, you can apply through online job boards or the company portal if you have your eye on a particular job.

Remember that regardless of your chosen route, you still need to present a professional and polished elevator mechanic resume using the proper formatting. If you have all the information and certifications ready, creating a resume is a simple affair when you work with Rocket Resume.

Rocket Resume takes the guesswork out of creating a solid resume. You can choose between minimalist CVs or more complex formats for the best fit that suits your skills and industry. With intuitive tools and a simple user interface, you’ll have a professional CV in minutes without the hassle of starting from the beginning.

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