What is an Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairer?
An Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer (also known as an elevator mechanic or constructor) assembles, installs, and maintains elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walkways, and other lifts.1 They work with electrical wiring, complex mechanical systems, and a variety of tools.2 The job requires a high degree of technical skill, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety.3
Typical Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Most of the training is obtained through a formal apprenticeship program, which typically lasts four years and includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.4
Salary Range in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers was $103,110 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $57,480, and the highest 10% earned more than $146,810.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Day in the Life
How to Become an Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
To become an elevator and escalator installer and repairer, you must complete a formal apprenticeship program, which is the primary path into the profession. These programs, often sponsored by a union, typically last four years and include thousands of hours of on-the-job training, as well as classroom instruction in subjects like electrical theory, mechanics, and hydraulics.5 Once you complete the apprenticeship, you must pass a licensing exam, which is required in most states.6 A strong mechanical aptitude and a comfort with heights are also essential for success.
Essential Skills
- Technical Knowledge: A deep understanding of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex issues with lifts and other equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Repair: Diagnosing and fixing mechanical and electrical issues in a variety of lifts.
Common Interview Questions
- Describe your experience with a specific type of lift system, such as hydraulic or traction elevators.
- What the interviewer is looking for: This question assesses your technical knowledge and hands-on experience. A good answer will provide specific examples of the systems you've worked on and the tasks you performed.
- How would you troubleshoot a situation where an elevator is stuck between floors?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This tests your methodical problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm under pressure. A strong response will walk the interviewer through your step-by-step process, from checking error codes to manually releasing the brake.
- Tell me about a time you identified a safety hazard on a job site that others had overlooked. What did you do? (Behavioral)
- What the interviewer is looking for: This behavioral question is critical for assessing your commitment to safety. A strong answer will describe a specific situation, the immediate action you took, and the positive outcome of your intervention.
- What is your experience with [specific tool or piece of equipment, e.g., a multi-meter, a hydraulic jack]?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This is a practical question that tests your hands-on skills. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used and your comfort level with them.
- How do you stay current with new technologies and changes in the industry?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This shows your commitment to continuous learning in a field with evolving technology. A good answer will mention professional certifications, trade journals, or workshops you attend.
Questions?
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