If you've just graduated from high school or earned an equivalent diploma, you could become an elevator technician.
This well-paying trade only requires a four- to five-year apprenticeship after high school for you to start work.
Even better, you get paid to work while you're learning your trade as an apprentice—unlike going to a four-year college or university.
Read on to learn if you've got what it takes to become a certified elevator technician who builds, repairs, and maintains elevators.
Becoming an Elevator Technician
This trade doesn't require a lot of formal classroom training, so if you prefer to learn on the job, this is a great trade for you.
Education and Training
Elevator technicians need a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED. But that's all the formal education that's required.
After high school, aspiring elevator technicians start out as apprentices and learn their trade on the job while also earning a paycheck.
Licensing and Certification
Most states require elevator technicians to be licensed to protect public safety. Some states require you to pass a written exam for licensure.
Written exams are typically administered by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP).
NEIEP and the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) also offer certification programs.
Although certification isn't required to be an elevator technician, it typically entitles you to a higher-paying position.
Job Duties
Generally, elevator technicians are responsible for ensuring that elevators and escalators are running smoothly.
Some elevator technicians construct and install new elevators, while others are primarily responsible for maintaining existing elevators.
On a normal day, elevator technicians might do any of the following:
- connect electrical wiring to control panels and motors
- test and troubleshoot elevator systems and malfunctions
- conduct preventive maintenance and inspections of existing elevators
- repair or replace faulty components
- construct and install new elevators
- maintain elevator service records according to state standards
While many elevator technicians do all of these things, a lot of them specialize in a specific aspect, such as installation or repair.
Work Environment
The vast majority of elevator technicians work for building equipment contractors installing new elevators and maintaining existing ones.
This work is physically demanding and may require elevator technicians to stand for long periods of time.
Elevator technicians also frequently work in cramped spaces, in hot and cold environments, and at great heights in dark elevator shafts.
This is a full-time job that sometimes requires the technician to be on-call or come in at odd hours for emergency repairs.
Career Outlook
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of elevator technicians will grow 3% from 2021 to 2031.
This growth rate is actually slower than the average for all occupations nationwide.
Because demand for elevator technicians is closely tied to the construction of new buildings, demand slows when construction slows.
Parts of the country that are experiencing higher growth rates, including New York and California, tend to employ more elevator technicians.
If you're interested in pursuing a career as an elevator technician, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma is the only formal education required to become an elevator technician.
If you didn't graduate from high school, getting an equivalent diploma, such as a GED, is sufficient.
Concentrate on math and related skills in high school, since these are important to this trade.
Step 2: Complete an Apprenticeship Program
After high school, enroll in a local apprenticeship program to learn the trade. These programs are typically offered by local unions.
Major employers and industry associations also offer apprenticeship programs if you can't find one through the local union.
Apprenticeships typically last four or five years and include some classroom hours as well as extensive on-the-job training.
You will get paid as an apprentice, however, so you can earn full-time wages while you learn the trade.
Step 3: Get Licensed in Your State
Most states require elevator technicians to be licensed to protect the safety of people who ride elevators.
Some states require licensees to pass a written exam and complete continuing education to maintain their license in good standing.
You're typically eligible for licensure after you complete your apprenticeship program.
Once you're licensed, you're free to work on your own as an elevator technician without supervision.
Step 4: Earn Your Certification
The NEIEP and NAEC offer certification programs for experienced elevator technicians who are masters of the trade.
While certification is voluntary, getting a certification helps you stand out among your fellow elevator technicians as one of the best.
The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International also offers Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification.
Additionally, some of the largest employers prefer to hire certified elevator technicians. Certification must be renewed on a yearly basis.
Learn About Becoming an Elevator Technician Today
Complete an apprenticeship to become an elevator technician and get your foot in the door in this lucrative trade.
