From moving walkways and escalators at the airport… to skyscraper elevators… and even chair lifts at ski areas… elevator installers and repairers keep people moving to where they want to go. Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain lift equipment. Usually they specialize in one phase of the work: installation, maintenance, or repairs. Elevators and lifts require maintenance such as oiling and greasing parts, replacing worn components and adjusting equipment, including computerized control systems. The work requires the ability to troubleshoot, based on a strong knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity. Elevator installers and repairers work in crews for major repairs such as replacing cables or bearings. They also ensure that equipment complies with safety regulations and building codes. Most elevator installers and repairers work for building equipment contractors. They often work in cramped crawl spaces and machine rooms… sometimes high up in elevator shafts. They often need protective equipment such as harnesses and safety glasses. Almost all work full time, and may be on call 24-hours a day when necessary. Nearly all elevator installers and repairers learn through a 4-year apprenticeship, which requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Classes in math, mechanical drawing, and shop can be helpful. Most states require licensure.
What they do:
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
On the job, you would:
Assemble, install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters, using hand and power tools, and testing devices such as test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
Test newly installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications, such as stopping at floors for set amounts of time.
Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test equipment.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
building and construction
Business
customer service
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Math and Science
physics
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Technical
repairing machines or systems using the right tools
figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Analytical Thinking
Persistence
Independence
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Analytical or scientific software
Elevator Controls INTERACT
WORLD Electronics Freedomware
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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