Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between elevator mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an elevator mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an elevator mechanic has an average salary of $79,797, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for an elevator mechanic include traction, switches and electric motors. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Elevator mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Elevator Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $79,797 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $115,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an elevator mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Elevator Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between elevator mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:
| Elevator Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |