How To Become an Elevator Mechanic

If you are looking to work in the trade industry, starting an elevator mechanic apprenticeship is the path to take. Those tradesmen who contract, install, and repair elevators are some of the highest paid professionals who work in the trade field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the trade market to go into. The amount of elevators being installed each year are increasing incrementally, and maintaining existing elevators is continuous work. That being said, you can't just grab your tool belt and start working on elevators. There is a lot of risk involved and you must be properly trained. We are here to outline for you how to become an elevator installer.

What Is the Elevator Mechanic Apprenticeship?

The Elevator Mechanic Apprenticeship is a structured training program required in order to enter a career as an elevator installer and mechanic. The apprenticeship usually lasts four to five years and includes both on-the-job training and elevator school instruction.

1. On-the-Job Training

• Apprentices work full-time under the supervision of experienced mechanics.
• They must complete 2,000 hours of supervised work each year, totalling 8,000 hours by the end of the apprenticeship.
• During OJL, you will learn and practice:
  • Construction Safety: Safe work practices in elevator shafts and crawl spaces, proper use of power tools, and essential safety regulations for working with electrical wiring.
  • Blueprint Reading: Accurate interpretation of blueprints, a critical skill for elevator mechanics.
  • Rigging & Hoisting
  • Machine Room Installation
• For a complete list of mechanical knowledge and other topics covered, refer to the Elevator Constructor Industry Training Criteria (Section B).

2. Elevator Installer School

• Apprentices take classes that cover theoretical knowledge and technical skills at elevator technician school.
• The IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) apprenticeship requires 144 hours of classroom training annually through the NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Education Program).
• Subjects covered in elevator mechanic trade school include:
  • Electrical Theory
  • Solid-State Technology
  • Power & Logic
  • Hydraulic Theory
• For a comprehensive list of Related Instruction topics, refer to the Elevator Constructor Industry Training Criteria (Section A).

3. Progressive Wage Increases

• First-year apprentices earn about 40 to 50 percent of a fully qualified constructor's wages.
• Your wages will increase annually at a fixed rate as you gain more experience and skills.

4. Eligibility for Journeyperson Status

• Once you complete the apprenticeship and accrue 8,000 working hours, you are eligible to take the mechanic exam.
• This exam usually includes a written component and a practical hands-on component.
• Once you pass the exam you will be allowed to become a licensed journeyperson, qualified to work independently without supervision.

5. Continued Education

Union members have opportunities for further education and elevator technician training throughout their careers to stay up-to-date with industry advancements and enhance their skills.

How Do I Become an Elevator Apprentice?

To become an elevator installer apprentice, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility

You MUST meet the basic requirements to even be considered for the apprenticeship. The requirements are as follows:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a NEIEP apprenticeship.
• Education: A high school diploma or a state-approved GED equivalent is required to apply for an elevator technician apprenticeship.
• Work Authorization: You must be authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for an elevator apprenticeship.
• Documentation: When applying for an elevator mechanic apprenticeship, you will need to provide the following documents:
  • Verification of diploma or GED test results or equivalent
  • DD-214 copy 4 (for veterans)
• Drug Test: You must undergo a drug screening test as part of the acceptance process. This test will be administered once you are matched with an employer to start the apprenticeship.

2. Submit an Application

Complete and submit an application form to the relevant apprenticeship program or local union. It is important to know that applications are only accepted during specific open recruitment periods. Make sure to check your local International Union of Elevator Constructor (IUEC) for when registration opens. You can find information about Elevator Apprenticeship Opportunities here. After you apply, you will be redirected to iCIMS, an applicant tracking system (ATS) that collects and manages all applicant data for NEIEP. If you meet the minimum requirement you will get a time and location for taking the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT).

3. Pass the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT)

Take and pass the EIAT, which evaluates your math, mechanical aptitude, and verbal reasoning skills. You must score at least 70% to pass on to the next step in the interview process. There is a $25.00 testing fee for each testing applicant.

Take a Practice Elevator Mechanic Aptitude Test.

4. Complete Additional Tools Assessment

You will be required to take a tools assessment. In this test you will be asked to identify basic tools.

Learn more about the Elevator Test Tools Assessment.

5. Attend an Interview

If you have passed the 70% score on your Elevator Aptitude Test, you will be scheduled for an interview. The interview will take 15-20 minutes and will be conducted by two interviewers – one from your prospective employer, and one from the IUEC.

As per NEIEP standards, all candidates are asked the exact same questions.

Make sure you are in the top tier for Elevator Repair Apprenticeships. Prepare with this EIAT Test Prep.

6. Receive a Decision

Based on your test scores, interview performance, and any additional tests, you will receive a decision regarding acceptance into the apprenticeship program. In this decision you will be given a tier based on the combined score of your Elevator Industry Aptitude Test, Interview, and Tools Assessment. This tier score will be valid for 2 years. Those with the highest score will be chosen for apprenticeships first.

7. Start the Apprenticeship

If accepted, you'll begin the apprenticeship, which includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Elevator Mechanic FAQs

What Is the Elevator Mechanic Salary?

How much elevator mechanics make varies by state. In 2020, the median annual salary for an IUEC fully trained elevator mechanic was $88,540, or $42.57 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is important to note, elevator and escalator installers and repairers salary differ depending on location and the type of work performed. When you are in your elevator apprenticeship you will earn a percentage of the mechanic's rate based on your progress in the apprenticeship.

The elevator technician salary for apprentices is as follows:

• Probationary Apprentice (0-6 months): 50% of a mechanic's rate.
• First-Year Apprentice (7-12 months): 55% of a mechanic's rate.
• Second-Year Apprentice (1-2 years): 65% of a mechanic's rate + fringe benefits.
• Third-Year Apprentice (2-3 years): 70% of a mechanic's rate + fringe benefits.
• Fourth-Year Apprentice (3-4 years)**: 80% of a mechanic's rate + fringe benefits.

To find your estimated elevator repair apprenticeship salary take a look at this free Elevator Installer Apprentice Salary by State PDF.

When Do I Start Getting Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers Fringe Benefits?

As an elevator apprentice, you will start receiving fringe benefits as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement after completing the first 2,000 hours of your apprenticeship, usually after one year. The hours from your probationary period are included in this calculation.

When Does the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Hire?

The IUEC does recruitments based on the needs of each separate Local. Each Local takes care of its own hiring process. Recruitments occur either after all applicants on the current list have been hired or when the list expires every two years. To find current apprenticeship opportunities and application details, check the apprenticeship opportunities list on the NEIEP website.

How Long Will the Recruitment Process Last?

The duration of a recruitment period depends on the number of available positions in the area. The open period for each recruitment is posted along with the announcement on the NEIEP website.

What Is the Elevator Mechanic School?

The National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) is an organization which combines both labor and management in overseeing elevator mechanic schooling and educational curricula of all new hires within the elevator industry. This educational trust brings together the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and the employers who employ them to ensure proper elevator mechanic training is provided for all those entering the field. This schooling helps guarantee proper education and elevator repair training for new elevator constructors and ensures that the proper skill is used when installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators. The universal elevator and escalator apprentice schooling and hands on training benefits constructors, employers, and the general public. 

When and Where Do I Start Elevator Mechanic School?

Once hired as an IUEC apprentice, you will begin your education with the National Elevator Industry Educational Program. During your first six months, you'll complete an online curriculum covering safety and the history of the IUEC.

Each semester involves 72 hours of training with a NEIEP instructor, spread over 18 weeks. Classes are held in person for four hours once a week. The semester includes lectures, discussions, lab work, unit exams, homework, and a final exam.

Upon completing all eight semesters, apprentices can take the Mechanic's Exam, which evaluates their understanding and skills from the entire NEIEP program. Passing this exam qualifies apprentices as full-fledged IUEC Mechanics.

How Much Does Elevator Mechanic School Cost?

There is no out-of-pocket cost for attending elevator and escalator installers and repairers school while you are an IUEC apprentice. Unlike trade schools or college programs where students pay for their education upfront and then work to repay the debt, IUEC apprentices earn a salary while they learn. Both on-the-job training and classroom instruction are integrated into your work schedule.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Elevator Mechanic?

It takes four to five years to become an elevator mechanic. This includes completing 2,000 hours of supervised work and 100-200 hours of classroom instruction in an elevator mechanic training program each year. After completing the elevator tech apprenticeship and accumulating 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, you can take the mechanic exam to become a licensed journeyperson.

What Are the Job Requirements for an Elevator Installer and Repairer Apprentice?

Let's take a look at the general responsibilities and essential functions for the apprenticeship role. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manually load, unload, and transport materials, equipment, and tools, including lifting parts weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Clean elevator car tops, machine rooms, pits, rails, and hoistways in non-climate-controlled environments.
• Paint machine rooms and pits manually.
• Assist mechanics with electrical and mechanical installation, repair, or service tasks, following written or verbal instructions and distinguishing color-coded wiring components.
• Maintain elevator lighting fixtures.
• Monitor equipment operation visually and audibly to identify faults, while working at heights and in confined spaces.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Basic understanding of arithmetic.
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete all required NEIEP courses.
• Knowledge of safety standards and practices.

Mental Effort:

• Ability to focus for extended periods, with occasional high concentration during installation, repair, or service operations.
• Competence in administrative tasks, such as data collection and report writing.

Manual Dexterity:

• Ability to use hands, arms, and feet for repetitive lifting and operating hand and power tools.
• Skill in recording written information and distinguishing color-coded wiring components.

It is important to note that applications, recruitment, and licensure requirements may vary from state to state. Find the elevator apprenticeship near you. Learn more about the application process, state licensure, and elevator repair jobs for individual states:

Learn more about the Elevator Installer and Repairers Interview Process.