What an elevator mechanic apprenticeship is and how it works
An elevator mechanic apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program where you learn to install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and related equipment. Unlike a classroom program you pay for, an apprenticeship pays you while you work alongside experienced mechanics — typically starting at 40 to 50 percent of a fully trained mechanic's wage and increasing as you progress.
The apprenticeship combines paid work hours with classroom instruction, usually split as 4,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training over four to five years, plus 144 to 216 hours per year of related classroom work. You attend classes in the evenings or on weekends while working full-time during the day. At the end, you take a licensing exam to become a journeyman elevator mechanic, which is required by law in most states to work independently.
Most apprenticeships are run through the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and local unions, though some non-union companies also offer programs. Union apprenticeships tend to pay more and offer stronger benefits, but non-union routes may have shorter wait times to start.
Key Takeaways
- Elevator mechanic apprenticeships are paid positions lasting four to five years, combining full-time work with part-time classroom instruction.
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check and drug test to enter most programs.
- Union apprenticeships through the IUEC typically pay more and offer better benefits than non-union programs, but have longer waiting lists.
- After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass a state licensing exam to work as a journeyman elevator mechanic.
- The job involves physical work at heights, so you need good health, strength, and no fear of confined spaces or climbing.
Basic requirements to enter an apprenticeship
Most elevator mechanic apprenticeships require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Some programs accept applicants without a diploma if you pass a basic math and reading test, but this varies by program and location.
You will need to pass a background check and drug screening. Some programs also require a valid driver's license, since you may need to travel to job sites. A few programs ask for a physical exam to confirm you can handle the physical demands of the work — climbing ladders, lifting heavy tools, and working in tight spaces.
No prior experience is required. Programs are designed to teach you from the ground up. However, having some mechanical aptitude, comfort with math, and willingness to work in heights and confined spaces will make the training easier.
How to find and enter a union apprenticeship program
Union apprenticeships are the most common route and typically offer the highest pay and benefits. The International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) coordinates programs across the United States. To find a program near you, visit the IUEC website (iuec.org) and look for the local union in your area, or search "IUEC local [your state]" online.
Contact the local union directly by phone or visit their office in person. They will tell you whether they are currently accepting apprentices, what the waiting list looks like, and when the next intake period is. Some locals have waiting lists of several months to a year, while others may start you sooner. Ask what documents you need to bring to explore — typically your high school diploma or GED, a valid ID, and proof of residency.
The process process usually includes a written test covering math and reading, an interview, and sometimes a physical ability test. Once accepted, you will be placed with a contractor who employs you as an apprentice. You work for that contractor while attending union-sponsored classes, usually one or two nights per week.
Non-union apprenticeship programs and how they differ
Non-union elevator companies also hire apprentices directly. These programs skip the union process process and waiting list, so you can often start sooner. However, the pay is typically lower than union positions, and benefits like health insurance and pension contributions may be less generous or not offered at all.
To find non-union programs, search online for "elevator mechanic apprenticeship [your city]" or contact elevator companies in your area directly — Otis, Schindler, ThyssenKrupp, and Kone are major employers. Ask whether they offer apprenticeships and what their current openings are. Some non-union programs are registered with your state's apprenticeship office, which you can find through your state's labor department website.
Non-union apprentices still take classroom instruction and must pass the same state licensing exam as union apprentices. The main difference is the employer, the pay structure, and the union benefits you do or do not receive.
What the training covers and how long it takes
Your apprenticeship will teach you how elevators and escalators work mechanically, how to read blueprints and electrical diagrams, safety procedures, and hands-on installation and repair skills. You will learn to work with hydraulic systems, electrical components, steel cables, and control systems. Classroom instruction covers topics like elevator codes, safety regulations, mathematics for measurements, and blueprint reading.
The total time is typically four to five years. During this time, you accumulate between 4,000 and 10,000 hours of paid work experience, depending on the program and how many hours per week you work. Classroom hours are usually 144 to 216 hours per year, spread across evening or weekend sessions. Some programs compress the classroom portion into intensive blocks, while others spread it throughout the year.
You progress through levels — apprentice, intermediate, and advanced — with wage increases at each level. By the final year, you are working on more complex tasks with less direct supervision, preparing you for the journeyman exam.
The licensing exam and what comes after
After completing your apprenticeship hours and classroom work, you must pass your state's elevator mechanic licensing exam to become a journeyman. The exam covers mechanical knowledge, safety codes, electrical systems, and troubleshooting. Your apprenticeship program will prepare you for it, and most programs offer study materials or review sessions.
Exam content and passing scores vary by state. Some states require the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) exam, while others have their own state-specific test. Your program coordinator will tell you which exam applies in your state and when you are may be able to access to take it.
Once you pass, you hold a journeyman license and can work independently or supervise other mechanics. Many journeymen continue to work for the same contractor, while others move between companies or start their own business. Some pursue additional certifications in specialized systems like hydraulic elevators or modernization work.
Pay, benefits, and job outlook
Apprentice wages start at roughly 40 to 50 percent of a journeyman's wage and increase each year. Union apprentices typically earn more than non-union apprentices at the same level. Journeyman elevator mechanics earn significantly more than most skilled trades — median wages are well above the national average for skilled workers, though exact figures vary by location, employer, and whether you work union or non-union.
Union positions include health insurance, pension plans, and paid time off as part of the apprenticeship. Non-union benefits depend on the employer. The work is steady because elevators and escalators require regular maintenance and repair, and new buildings continue to be built. Job security is generally strong in this trade.
The work involves physical demands — climbing, lifting, working in confined spaces, and sometimes working at heights. It also requires on-call availability for emergency repairs. However, the pay and job stability make it an attractive career for people who enjoy mechanical work and do not mind the physical and schedule demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know anything about electricity or mechanics before starting?
No. Apprenticeships teach you from the beginning. Having some mechanical interest or comfort with tools helps, but it is not required. The classroom instruction covers electrical basics, hydraulics, and mechanical principles from the ground up.
What if I am afraid of heights?
Elevator mechanics work inside elevator shafts and on top of cars, so comfort with heights is important. If you have a significant fear of heights, this trade may not be the right fit. Some programs will not accept you if you cannot pass a physical ability test that includes working at height.
Can I do an apprenticeship part-time while working another job?
Most apprenticeships require full-time work — typically 40 hours per week on the job plus classroom time in evenings or weekends. You cannot hold another full-time job at the same time. Some people work part-time side jobs during their apprenticeship, but the primary commitment is to the apprenticeship employer.
How long is the waiting list to start a union apprenticeship?
Waiting times vary widely by location and how many apprentices the local union is accepting that year. Some locals have waiting lists of six months to two years, while others may start you within a few months. Contact your local union directly to find out their current timeline.
What happens if I fail the licensing exam?
You can retake the exam. Most states allow you to retake it after a waiting period, typically 30 to 90 days. Your apprenticeship program can help you study for a second attempt. Failing the exam is uncommon if you completed the apprenticeship and attended classes regularly.