How To Become A Freight Elevator Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a freight elevator operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Freight elevator operators are responsible for operating the elevator to transport materials equipment between industrial or commercial establishments. They move control levers, push buttons to control the elevator's movement, and open and close the elevator's safety gate door at each floor where a stop is made. They may also transport freight from the elevator to a designated area using a hand truck.

Freight elevator operators earn an average salary of $56,000 annually or $27 per hour. Their duties include ensuring that the materials are transported out of the lift safely, passing information to the users regarding office locations and helping them reach the correct floor. They also assist other employees while loading freight into the elevator, ensure the elevator's cleanliness, and carry out minor maintenance when needed.

Freight elevator operators typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, gaining a bachelor's degree in a related field may prove advantageous in the long run. They are expected to have some years of experience as an elevator operator or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

ScoreFreight Elevator OperatorUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,583

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

9.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.56%

Asian 3.90%

Black or African American 11.19%

Hispanic or Latino 25.85%

Unknown 3.80%

White 53.70%

Gender

female 12.79%

male 87.21%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Key steps to become a freight elevator operator

Explore freight elevator operator education requirements

Most common freight elevator operator degrees

High School Diploma

46.5 %

Bachelor's

22.5 %

Associate

19.4 %

Start to develop specific freight elevator operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Sales Floor	40.16%
Freight Elevator	34.88%
Stock Merchandise	11.09%
Transport Passengers	9.03%
Building Maintenance	4.83%

Research freight elevator operator duties and responsibilities

Monitor and maintain merchandise database utilizing Microsoft office.
Monitor and maintain merchandise database utilizing Microsoft office.

Prepare your freight elevator operator resume

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

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