What is an elevator installer or repairer?
An elevator installer or repairer does work on elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. They are required to read blueprints, evaluate which equipment will be necessary for the installation or repair, identify the problem with the machine oftentimes by using test equipment, handle electrical wiring, comply with safety regulations and building codes, and keep records of all of their adjustments. This job demands regular maintenance, including oiling, greasing, replacing parts, in addition to emergency repairs.
How much would you earn in this position?
In 2012, the median annual wage for this profession was $76,650, with a range of $39,540 to $106,450. Apprentices usually earn half the pay of fully trained and qualified installers and repairers. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, elevator installers and repairers is the highest paying job available to those who earned a high school diploma (and did not receive a higher degree).
Requirements:
Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include problem-solving and mechanical. One should be detail-oriented and possess physical stamina and strength. Team work is necessary for major installations or repairs, but minor maintenance or technical repairs are done alone.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Maintenance and repair workers generally require greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. In fact, most elevators today have computerized control systems, resulting in more complex systems and troubleshooting than in the past.”
The education and experience requirements include possession of a high school diploma in combination with an apprenticeship program. Programs usually last for five years and contain instruction as well as on-the-job training. Topics covered include blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applied physics, and safety. To enroll in a program, basic aptitude tests may be required. Additionally, 70% of states require a license for this career. Ongoing education is common in order to keep mechanics up to date and potentially qualify them for promotions.
Work Conditions:
Elevator installers and repairers are seldom self-employed, typically working within the building equipment contractors industry. This profession does involve lifting heaving equipment, potential falls from ladders, and electrical shocks. Hence, protective gear is a must, including hard hats, harnesses, and safety glasses. This job may require being on call around the clock due to the possibility of emergencies. Working overtime, evenings, and weekends is also commonplace.
-Samantha Phillips
What interests you about this career? What other information would you like to know about it?
Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Extraction
An elevator installer or repairer does work on elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. They are required to read blueprints, evaluate which equipment will be necessary for the installation or repair, identify the problem with the machine oftentimes by using test equipment, handle electrical wiring, comply with safety regulations and building codes, and keep records of all of their adjustments. This job demands regular maintenance, including oiling, greasing, replacing parts, in addition to emergency repairs.
How much would you earn in this position?
In 2012, the median annual wage for this profession was $76,650, with a range of $39,540 to $106,450. Apprentices usually earn half the pay of fully trained and qualified installers and repairers. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, elevator installers and repairers is the highest paying job available to those who earned a high school diploma (and did not receive a higher degree).
Requirements:
Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include problem-solving and mechanical. One should be detail-oriented and possess physical stamina and strength. Team work is necessary for major installations or repairs, but minor maintenance or technical repairs are done alone.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Maintenance and repair workers generally require greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. In fact, most elevators today have computerized control systems, resulting in more complex systems and troubleshooting than in the past.”
The education and experience requirements include possession of a high school diploma in combination with an apprenticeship program. Programs usually last for five years and contain instruction as well as on-the-job training. Topics covered include blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applied physics, and safety. To enroll in a program, basic aptitude tests may be required. Additionally, 70% of states require a license for this career. Ongoing education is common in order to keep mechanics up to date and potentially qualify them for promotions.
Work Conditions:
Elevator installers and repairers are seldom self-employed, typically working within the building equipment contractors industry. This profession does involve lifting heaving equipment, potential falls from ladders, and electrical shocks. Hence, protective gear is a must, including hard hats, harnesses, and safety glasses. This job may require being on call around the clock due to the possibility of emergencies. Working overtime, evenings, and weekends is also commonplace.
-Samantha Phillips
What interests you about this career? What other information would you like to know about it?
Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Extraction
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