Elevator Mechanic Highest Paid Occupation in Construction

Automation may have made elevator operators obsolete, but it’s quite the opposite for those who install and repair elevators. A new analysis of the 2018 federal labor statistics breaks down construction’s top earners by job category. Among construction trades, elevator mechanic tops the median wages list, with half earning over $78,990 a year, and the top 25% making at least $100,720.

Below is the breakdown for the highest-paid field employees by occupation.

Occupation Median Income Top 25% Elevator installer/repairer $78,990 $100,720 Rotary drill operators $68,050 $77,610 First-line supervisor $64,600 $83,300 Boilermaker $64,480 $78,250 Construction and building inspector $60,240 $80,580 Pile-driver operator $58,960 $85,790 Taper $55,110 $71,680 Structural iron and steel worker $54,730 $75,190 Electrician $53,550 $71,860 Plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter $53,540 $71,300 Brick/stone mason $50,860 $64,030 Equipment engineer $50,360 $69,510 Sheet metal worker $49,350 $69,050 Reinforcing iron and rebar worker $49,050 $69,110 Insulation/mechanical worker $47,150 $64,890 Carpenter $46,810 $61,810

Elevator mechanics face many challenges

Elevators are complex and becoming even more so. Elevator technology is moving so fast that it’s near impossible for technicians to keep pace. “Smart elevators” use algorithms to shuttle passengers more efficiently, and some technologies adjust the heat and air conditioning of office floors based on where people land. Meanwhile, technicians must also deal with elevators that date back to the 1930s, which can be unpredictable. With multiple cars that sometimes dispatch seemingly at their own will, a mix of old and new technologies that make them stubborn to fix, and new flight speeds of 100 floors per minute, being an elevator technician is a tough job.

Along with the challenge of keeping up with the technology is the challenge of keeping pace with maintenance calls. As property owners try to cut costs, technicians are reporting a dangerous lack of maintenance. As well, with the lack of skilled technicians and the increasing number of elevators to be serviced, some technicians rush through hundreds of maintenance jobs per month, reportedly with time limits as quick as seven minutes per visit. Politicians are pushing new policies, but still, increasing numbers of citizens are either getting stuck inside elevators, are stuck with dangerous ones, or are stuck with the stairs.

Moving forward

Elevator maintenance is a high-paying job, yet there’s still a mismatch of supply and demand. More mechanics need to be trained, if only to ease the demand on those already working in the field. There is obviously a great need for qualified technicians and an abundance of opportunity for a well-paying career.

FIELDBOSS is a proud member of NAEC, CECA & ECNY. We have studied elevator industry trends, participated in association meetings, and partnered with our elevator customers to develop and enhance our software to meet your unique business needs. Visit us here to request a free demo of our software.

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