Elevator Installers and Repairers

Career summary

#new to wois, check 3/13/19 lh

Elevator installers put in new elevators. They read blueprints to plan each step of the installation process. Elevator installers put in guide rails to guide the elevator as it moves up and down. If the rails are not the right length, installers cut them to fit. Installers weld or bolt the rails to the walls of the elevator shaft. Elevator installers put in the electrical wiring. They also put together the elevator cars, platforms, walls, and doors. Finally, installers put in the equipment that moves the cars. This type of equipment varies. Some elevators use cables to raise the cars and some use hydraulics.

Once the elevator is running, installers test it to make sure the elevator is working correctly. Installers make adjustments to the elevator so that it is working properly and can pass inspection.

Sometimes elevator installers put in dumbwaiters, which are similar to small elevators. Other installers put in escalators. Occasionally they replace old elevators with new systems.

Elevator installers also maintain elevators or fix those that are broken. They may run tests to find out what is wrong. Repairers oil or clean the moving parts and replace worn parts. Repairers fill out service reports with the details of their work.

Elevator installers and repairers must keep their skills up to date. They may take courses from elevator manufacturers to learn about new technology. Installers and repairers need some knowledge about how to repair computers because computers are used to control some elevators.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aircraft Mechanics
• Automobile Mechanics
• Automotive Electronics Installers
• Communications Equipment Mechanics
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Electricians
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Heavy Equipment Mechanics
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Medical Equipment Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to elevator installers and repairers.

• Study blueprints that describe the equipment to be installed.
• Cut rails and other parts to specific measurements.
• Bolt and weld steel frames.
• Connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors.
• Assemble, install, and repair elevator cars, platforms, walls, and doors.
• Set up and connect the equipment that moves the cars.
• Test and fine-tune the elevator system.
• Write service reports that list maintenance or repairs.
• Locate and repair problems within the elevator system.
• Install dumbwaiters and escalators.
• Make sure safety regulations and building codes are met.
• Keep a log of all repairs and checks performed.
• Take training to keep skills up to date.

Common work activities

Elevator installers and repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Use computers
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Perform for or work with the public
• Teach others
• Develop and build teams
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Document and record information
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, elevator installers and repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of responsibility for the health and safety of the people who use the elevators they work on.
• Communicate mostly on the phone and in person.
• Have a medium level of social interaction with others. They often work alone but also spend time talking with other workers and supervisors.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Always wear protective or safety attire, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions on a daily basis, such as unfinished building sites.
• Daily are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as welding torches.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.
• May work in hot or cold temperatures, depending on the work site.
• Sometimes get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Are occasionally exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations that may cause cuts or burns.
• May travel to and from work sites in a vehicle, such as a truck or van.
• May work physically close to others, such as within several feet.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work so that elevators function properly. Errors could seriously injure passengers if the elevator were to fall.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that greatly impact other workers and elevator passengers.
• They nearly make all of their decisions and set most of their daily tasks and goals without checking with a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere in which weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Travel to different sites to install or repair elevators.
• May work nights or weekends to maintain elevators in busy buildings.
• Usually work full time.

Physical demands

Elevator installers and repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for elevator installers and repairers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for elevator installers and repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Elevator installers and repairers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Industrial Mechanics

Other programs of study to consider

• Construction Trades

Training

To work as an elevator installer and repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Most elevator installers and repairers learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in electronics, electricity, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Some elevator installers and repairers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees must complete a six-month probationary period. It takes four to five years to become fully trained.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be mechanics and repairers. They offer training in several types of engines, such as boat, auto, and heavy equipment. They don't offer training in elevators though. However, some of the training you receive will transfer over to repairing elevators. Training lasts eight to 29 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, applicants for elevator installers or mechanics apprenticeships must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• physically be able to do the work;
• pass basic math, reading, and aptitude tests; and
• have a valid Washington State driver's license.

Applicants must have a social security card and their own transportation to get to job sites.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#checked 3/26/18 cj. 3/13/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction
• Drafting
• Electricity
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Industrial Arts

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most elevator installers and repairers apply for jobs through a local of the International Union of Elevator Constructors. Although most elevator installers belong to a union, employers do not require union membership. Helpers may be hired for summer or part-time work.

Most employers require elevator installers and repairers to have passed the mechanics exam given by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program.

Sometimes workers are hired for certain jobs because they have special skills. For example, applicants may be hired as elevator repairers because they have strong skills in electronics.

Costs to workers

Workers may need to pay for their own tools. Those who belong to a union must pay dues and an initiation fee.

Licensing/certification

In Washington, there are nine categories of elevator licenses. The general license, which allows mechanics to work on any type of equipment, requires meeting one of the following:

• earning a certificate of completion from a nationally recognized elevator mechanic training program; or
• completion of a recognized apprenticeship program; or
• a combination of education and work experience and passing a state written exam.

Workers need to pay a application fee, a state licensing fee, and if necessary, a examination fee. There is a renewal fee every two years.

Workers must also complete at least eight hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Elevator Section Program 
PO Box 44480
Olympia, WA 98504-4480
360.902.6130

#no change 3/9/17 lh. Minor change to ph # rest ok, 3/26/18 cj. 3/13/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Elevator Installers and Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by the installer's level of experience. Wages also vary by area of the country and employer. In general, union workers receive higher wages.

Elevator installers and repairers generally receive health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Elevator installation and repair companies

National outlook

Demand will be strong for elevator installers and repairers, however this is a small occupation and few new jobs will be created. Demand will increase as existing equipment needs repair and new buildings need elevators. The aging population contributes to growth as people need elevators and lifts to access their homes.

Elevator installers and repairers generally are not affected by the state of the economy. This is because elevators must always be kept in good working condition.

Some job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation. Job prospects are good for entry-level workers who have formal training or a post-secondary degree in electronics.

Other resources

International Union of Elevator Constructors 
7154 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
410.953.6150

National Association of Elevator Contractors 
1298 Wellbrook Circle
Conyers, GA 30012
800.900.6232
770.760.9660

National Elevator Industry 
PO Box 231137
Centreville, VA 20120
703.266.3100

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Elevator Installers and Repairers (47-4021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Elevator Constructor (825.361-010) 
• Elevator Examiner-and-adjuster (825.261-014) 
• Elevator Repairer (825.281-030) 
• Elevator-repairer Apprentice (825.281-034) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled