Elevator Mechanic Career Guide in Illinois
Explore elevator mechanic salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become an Elevator Mechanic in Illinois
Elevator and escalator mechanics typically enter the trade through a multi-year apprenticeship sponsored by a union, employer, or industry organization. Training combines paid supervised work with classroom instruction in safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics, electrical and digital theory, electronics, hydraulics, rigging, welding, controls, and applicable elevator codes.
A typical apprenticeship lasts about four years. Apprentices work under qualified mechanics and progressively learn installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, modernization, and repair. Completing an apprenticeship or nationally recognized elevator-industry training program may satisfy part of a state's mechanic licensing or certification requirements, but applicants should verify current rules with the applicable authority.
Most Elevator Mechanics in Illinois complete registered apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Training includes elevator electrical systems, mechanical components, hydraulic systems, traction elevators, elevator controllers, troubleshooting, safety procedures, blueprint reading, and elevator modernization.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Elevator Mechanic Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for elevator mechanic workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $106,580, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $23,490 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Elevator Mechanics in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONElevator Mechanic Training Requirements in Illinois
Applicants may qualify through an approved apprenticeship or nationally recognized elevator-industry training program. Illinois also provides qualification pathways based on documented industry experience and the required examination.
Apprentices and helpers must be properly registered and work under authorized supervision. Applicants should verify the correct license category, examination, renewal, and continuing-education requirements with the Elevator Safety Division.
Elevator Electrical Systems
Technicians learn electrical circuits, control panels, motors, sensors, wiring systems, and diagnostic procedures used in modern elevator equipment.
Mechanical Components & Repair
Training covers elevator machinery, cables, pulleys, brakes, doors, motors, and mechanical maintenance procedures.
Hydraulic & Traction Elevator Systems
Apprentices learn hydraulic elevators, traction systems, drive equipment, and maintenance techniques for different elevator technologies.
Safety Standards & Elevator Codes
Training includes OSHA requirements, Illinois elevator safety standards, inspection procedures, and workplace safety practices.
Modern Elevator Technology
Programs cover computerized controls, digital diagnostics, smart elevator systems, and advanced troubleshooting methods.
Elevator Mechanic Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago | Chicago | View Program |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | View Program |
| Harper College | Palatine | View Program |
| Triton College | River Grove | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESElevator Mechanic Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Elevator Constructor Apprenticeship Program
Organization: National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP)
IUEC Local 2 Apprenticeship
Organization: International Union of Elevator Constructors
Illinois Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Elevator Industry Training Program
Organization: Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund
Elevator Mechanic Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not require a standalone statewide individual Elevator Mechanic license. However, elevator installation, maintenance, and repair work must comply with Illinois elevator safety regulations. Elevator companies must meet state requirements, and mechanics typically enter the trade through registered apprenticeship programs. IUEC and NEIEP apprenticeship programs are widely recognized pathways for becoming professional Elevator Mechanics.
Illinois requires individuals performing regulated elevator and conveyance work to hold the appropriate elevator mechanic license or apprentice registration. Licensed mechanics generally must work for a licensed elevator contractor.
The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal administers mechanic, contractor, inspector, inspection-company, and apprentice licensing outside the City of Chicago. Chicago may administer additional local requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSElevator Mechanic Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois has strong demand for Elevator Mechanics due to Chicago’s large concentration of high-rise buildings, commercial towers, residential complexes, hospitals, universities, airports, and transportation facilities. Chicago remains one of the largest elevator service markets in the United States, creating excellent opportunities for skilled elevator technicians.
Illinois projects employment of elevator and escalator installers and repairers to increase from approximately 760 workers in 2022 to 770 workers in 2032, an increase of about 1%. The state projects approximately 60 openings per year.
Most projected openings are expected to result from replacement needs rather than rapid net employment growth. Modernization, preventive maintenance, accessibility work, and legally required inspections can continue to support demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the elevator mechanic salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for elevator mechanics in Illinois is approximately $130,070 per year, or $62.53 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require elevator mechanic licensing?
Yes. Illinois requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt elevator mechanic work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Elevator Safety Division.
How long does it take to become an elevator mechanic in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are elevator mechanics in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects elevator mechanic employment to grow by approximately 1% from 2022 to 2032, with about 60 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Elevator Mechanic (SOC 47-4021) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Elevator Mechanic Wages
- Illinois Elevator Mechanic Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Elevator Mechanic Employment Trends
- Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Elevator Safety Division — Licensing authority. Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Elevator Safety Division