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The differences between elevator mechanics and elevator installer apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an elevator mechanic and an elevator installer apprentice. Additionally, an elevator mechanic has an average salary of $79,797, which is higher than the $30,957 average annual salary of an elevator installer apprentice.
The top three skills for an elevator mechanic include traction, switches and electric motors. The most important skills for an elevator installer apprentice are safety regulations, ladders, and hoisting.
An elevator mechanic specializes in installing and repairing elevators, ensuring efficiency and safety. They usually work with a team of other mechanics on an on-call basis, responding to emergencies such as malfunctions, which may involve rescuing people stuck at elevators. Their responsibilities also include understanding blueprints, replacing and assembling parts, investigating user complaints or feedback, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of systems and safety of users. Furthermore, an elevator mechanic may also be in charge of installing and repairing escalators, dumbwaiters, chairlifts, and similar machinery.
Elevator installer apprentice evaluates hydraulic, mechanical, or electric nature problems related to wheelchair lifts operation, dumbwaiters operations, and elevator operations. They determine all these issues and make the required repairs. Besides performing yearly tests to ensure the safety devices keep working correctly, elevator installer apprentices also determine the suitability of the current elevator equipment, new equipment, and proposed modifications. These professionals inspect elevators and other devices and conduct preventive maintenance from time to time to ensure the devices keep working correctly as per OSHA requirements and safety regulations.
Elevator mechanics and elevator installer apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Elevator Mechanic | Elevator Installer Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $79,797 | $30,957 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $115,000 | Between $19,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between an elevator mechanic and an elevator installer apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Elevator Mechanic | Elevator Installer Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between elevator mechanics' and elevator installer apprentices' demographics:
| Elevator Mechanic | Elevator Installer Apprentice | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% | Male, 98.4% Female, 1.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |