License GuideSOC 47-4021

Elevator Mechanic
License.

Elevator technicians install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters in commercial and residential buildings. They troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems, replace worn parts, and perform safety inspections to ensure equipment operates smoothly. Daily work includes climbing into elevator shafts, testing hydraulic and electrical components, adjusting door mechanisms, and documenting maintenance records. They follow strict safety codes and building regulations. This role requires problem-solving skills and physical stamina, as technicians spend significant time working at heights and in confined spaces.

At a Glance

Everything a Elevator Mechanic needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed elevator mechanics are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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Elevator technicians install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters in commercial and residential buildings. They troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems, replace worn parts, and perform safety inspections to ensure equipment operates smoothly. Daily work includes climbing into elevator shafts, testing hydraulic and electrical components, adjusting door mechanisms, and documenting maintenance records. They follow strict safety codes and building regulations. This role requires problem-solving skills and physical stamina, as technicians spend significant time working at heights and in confined spaces.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

Most states require a national or state-administered exam covering elevator mechanic knowledge, ethics, and state law.

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You'll face two parts on your elevator mechanic exam. The national section tests your technical knowledge across all states. Then comes your state-specific portion, which covers local codes and regulations. Most states contract with testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer the exam. You schedule your test through these vendors, who handle registration and test delivery at their centers. Both sections measure hands-on competency and code comprehension. Pass rates vary by state, but most exams require you to score between 70% and 80% to pass. Check your state's licensing board for exact requirements.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in almost every state. Hours and topics vary by board.

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Elevator mechanics need continuing education to renew their licenses. Each state sets its own requirements for CE hours. Topics typically include ethics and state-specific regulations. Check your state's licensing board for exact hour minimums and what subjects you must complete.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the elevator mechanic role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need more than technical expertise to succeed as an elevator mechanic. The job demands sound judgment about safety and equipment condition. You make calls about what needs repair now versus what can wait. You communicate those decisions clearly to building managers and owners who depend on your assessment. You work independently on job sites, so you manage your time without constant oversight. The best mechanics blend hands-on problem-solving with the ability to explain complex issues in plain language.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as an elevator mechanic without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing as an elevator mechanic without an active license violates state law across the country. Violators face civil fines and must forfeit any income earned while unlicensed. States impose additional penalties for repeat offenses, including short jail sentences in some jurisdictions. The specific consequences vary by state and circumstances of the violation.

Career Outlook
+5.5% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034. Flagged as a bright-outlook occupation.

The Path

How to Get a Elevator Mechanic License.

You'll typically follow a five-step path to get licensed across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then you'll need supervised experience hours (the amount varies by state). A background check comes next. Finally, you'll complete continuing education credits between license renewals. Each state sets its own minimums for education hours, degree requirements, and experience length, so check your specific state's rules before you start.

1
Meet the experience minimum
Most states require documented years of work hours under a licensed elevator mechanic or comparable contractor. Apprenticeship programs count toward this requirement.
2
Finish required classroom instruction
States typically require a set number of hours in a related trade school or state-approved apprenticeship classroom.
3
Pass the trade exam
The state exam covers elevator mechanic code, safety, and business law. Some states use third-party testing vendors like PSI or Prometric.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Trade school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs are paid; trade schools are not.
$500 to $15,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
License bond
Annual surety premium. Bond amounts scale with project dollar limits.
$100 to $500
Compensation

What Elevator Mechanics Earn.

National hourly wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$26.31/hr
25th percentile
$36.88/hr
Median
$51.24/hr
75th percentile
$63.34/hr
Top 10%
$71.76/hr
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Elevator Mechanic license is active.

Core
Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 2
National Elevator Industry Educational Program
Core
Certified Elevator Technician
National Association of Elevator Contractors
Core
Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 1
National Elevator Industry Educational Program
Advanced
Qualified Elevator Inspector
NAESA International
Advanced
Qualified Elevator Inspector
National Association of Elevator Contractors
Advanced
Certified Elevator Inspection Supervisor
Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund
Advanced
Qualified Elevator Inspector Supervisor
NAESA International
Advanced
Certified Elevator Inspector
Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund
Core
Certified Accessibility Technician
National Association of Elevator Contractors
Advanced
Fluid Power Connector and Conductor
International Fluid Power Society
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
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Exam fee
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License fee
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Contractors State License Board
Issuing board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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