Going up or down?

By Dr. Mark Foster, The Career Informant

Something I say all the time is, "We know what we know..." Here is a career path you may have never thought about before now and they are in huge demand! The Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repair person.

Duties:

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers typically do the following:

• Read and interpret blueprints to determine the layout of system components and to select the equipment needed for installation or repair

• Assemble elevator cars and components for similar systems

• Connect electrical wiring to control panels and motors

• Test newly installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications

• Troubleshoot malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems

• Dismantle elevator, escalator, or similar units to remove and replace defective parts, using hoists, ladders, and hand-tools or power tools

• Repair or replace faulty components in order to return elevator or escalator to fully operational status

• Conduct preventive maintenance and inspections of elevators, escalators, and similar equipment to comply with safety regulations and building codes

• Keep service records of all maintenance and repair tasks

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, also called elevator and escalator constructors or mechanics, assemble, install, maintain, and replace elevators, escalators, chairlifts, moving walkways, and similar equipment.

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers usually specialize in installation, maintenance, or repair work. Maintenance and repair workers generally need to know more about electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers. Most elevators and similar mechanisms have computerized control systems, requiring maintenance and repair workers to do complex troubleshooting.

After an elevator, escalator, or other equipment is installed, workers must regularly maintain and repair it. Maintenance includes oiling and greasing moving parts, replacing worn parts, and adjusting equipment for optimal performance. Workers also troubleshoot and may be called for emergency repair.

A service crew usually handles major repairs—for example, replacing cables, doors and other components, or machine bearings. Service crews may need to use cutting torches or rigging equipment and also may need to do major modernization and alteration, such as replacing electric motors, hydraulic pumps, and control panels.

Pay:

The median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $99,000 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,130.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for elevator and escalator installers and repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Government $103,610, Building equipment contractors $100,680, Educational services; state, local, and private $85,360

The starting pay for apprentices is usually about 50 percent of what fully trained elevator and escalator installers and repairers make. They earn pay increases as they progress in their apprenticeship. Apprentices who are also certified welders usually receive higher wages while welding.

Most elevator and escalator installers and repairers work full time. They may work overtime to make emergency repairs or to meet construction deadlines. Workers may be on call 24 hours a day.

How to become one:

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. High school classes in math, mechanical drawing, and physics may be helpful.

Training

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. During training, apprentices learn about safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics, elevator and escalator parts, electrical and digital theory, and electronics.

When they finish the apprenticeship program, fully trained elevator and escalator installers and repairers become mechanics or assistant mechanics. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers need ongoing training in order to keep up with technological developments.

Workers with relevant experience who can document it and demonstrate their skill may qualify for a shorter apprenticeship.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Most states require elevator and escalator installers and repairers to be licensed. Check with your state for more information.

Although not required, certification shows competence and proficiency in the field.

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers can become Certified Elevator Technicians (CET) or Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technicians (CAT) through the National Association of Elevator Contractors. They can also be certified as Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI) through the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International.

Employers may require elevator and escalator installers to have a driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to jobsites.

Thank you to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for this great insight!

Reference:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers,

at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm (visited September 30, 2023).