How To Become An Elevator Constructor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an elevator constructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Elevator constructors are responsible for installing and repairing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. They read and interpret blueprints to determine system components' layout and select the equipment needed for installation or repair. They also assemble elevator cars and components for similar systems and test newly installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications. Elevator constructors earn an average salary of $48,000 annually or $23 per hour.

Elevator constructors usually work indoors and with a team of other construction professionals. Due to the nature of the job, they are trained to work safely and wear special equipment to protect against injury. Their duties include installing, testing, and adjusting safety control devices, carrying out preventive maintenance programs, and troubleshooting electrical or mechanical system failures.

In terms of academic qualifications, elevator constructors typically complete a four-year apprenticeship through which they will learn about electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, safety, and how to read blueprints. They are expected to have a license in order to work in some states. Some employers also prefer candidates with certification from trade associations like the National Association of Elevator Contractors.

ScoreElevator ConstructorUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $53,937

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.4

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 3.69%

Black or African American 4.13%

Hispanic or Latino 16.63%

Unknown 6.50%

White 68.73%

Gender

female 3.82%

male 96.18%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.1

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an elevator constructor

Explore elevator constructor education requirements

Most common elevator constructor degrees

High School Diploma

46.5 %

Bachelor's

30.2 %

Associate

16.3 %

Start to develop specific elevator constructor skills

Skills	Percentages
Service Operations	42.57%
Mechanical Installation	33.49%
Safety Guidelines	7.55%
Traction	6.05%
Hoisting	4.09%

Complete relevant elevator constructor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New elevator constructors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an elevator constructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real elevator constructor resumes.

Research elevator constructor duties and responsibilities

Operate pipe threaders, saws, drills, pipe benders, hoists, lasers, precision measuring equipment and VOM meters.
Rewire water damage controller and make related wiring repairs.
Install, program and troubleshot PLC's / drives
Program and review drive faults to make necessary updates and adjustments requirements on various types of PLC controlling VFD.

Prepare your elevator constructor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your elevator constructor resume.

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