Elevator & Escalator Mechanic Apprenticeship
Elevator and escalator mechanics install, maintain, and repair the vertical transport systems in office buildings, hospitals, and apartment towers. It's a small, specialized trade with strict safety certification and strong union representation.
National Wage Spread
Annual wages for Elevator & Escalator Mechanics across all experience levels, nationwide.
Elevator & Escalator Mechanic Wages by State
Median annual wage for Elevator & Escalator Mechanics by state, sorted highest to lowest. Click any state to see registered sponsors and local programs.
| State | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $150,600 | — |
| Maine | $138,520 | 130 |
| Nevada | $137,950 | — |
| California | $137,340 | 2,830 |
| Oregon | $135,620 | — |
| New Jersey | $134,590 | 410 |
| Massachusetts | $134,360 | 500 |
| Washington | $133,030 | 1,170 |
| Illinois | $130,070 | 970 |
| District of Columbia | $125,030 | — |
| New York | $124,530 | 3,710 |
| Missouri | $123,710 | — |
| Kansas | $121,500 | 70 |
| Maryland | $119,200 | 1,200 |
| Colorado | $117,770 | 380 |
| Minnesota | $117,760 | 480 |
| Michigan | $114,570 | 660 |
| Indiana | $113,710 | 130 |
| Arizona | $110,500 | — |
| Iowa | $107,010 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $106,140 | 680 |
| Florida | $103,400 | 2,100 |
| Virginia | $102,720 | 590 |
| Oklahoma | $102,620 | 100 |
| North Carolina | $102,310 | 390 |
| Tennessee | $97,150 | 670 |
| Texas | $94,550 | 1,360 |
| Alabama | $89,750 | 260 |
| Montana | $84,550 | 60 |
| Delaware | $84,120 | 40 |
| Utah | $78,680 | 230 |
| South Carolina | $71,350 | 330 |
| Ohio | $70,290 | 150 |
| Georgia | $67,510 | 510 |
| Arkansas | $60,220 | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $57,470 | 250 |
| Kentucky | $43,500 | 210 |
Elevator & Escalator Mechanic Apprenticeship Overview
The Elevator & Escalator Mechanic trade offers a median salary of $106,580/yr nationally, accessible through a 4-year apprenticeship that pays you while you train. It's one of the clearest earn-while-you-learn propositions in the American labor market.
Looking ahead, Elevator & Escalator Mechanic employment is expected to grow 5.0% by 2034. About 2,000 openings per year — driven heavily by retirements in an aging workforce — keep demand for apprentices high.
The wage range for Elevator & Escalator Mechanics runs from $54,720 (entry-level markets) to $149,250 (experienced workers in top-paying states). Location, union membership, and specialization all push wages higher.
Prefer Trade School Instead?
Apprenticeships pay from day one, but some people prefer the classroom-first path. Elevator & Escalator Mechanics also come up through trade school programs — shorter timeline, more upfront cost, and a credential before entering the workforce.
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