ELEVATOR MECHANIC
Installs, modernizes, and repairs elevators and escalators. The highest-paid construction trade in the BLS data. Michigan is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in Michigan: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Michigan. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $25–$35/hr | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $55–$78/hr | $110,000 – $156,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $102,420 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $142,060 |
Michigan is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in Michigan's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
In Michigan, apprenticeships are administered through the federal RAPIDS system via the U.S. Department of Labor. To find registered programs, go to apprenticeship.gov and filter by state. Most joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) also accept direct applications.
- · International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
The Exam.
Licensing exams for elevator mechanic work typically cover the applicable mechanical code (IMC or state-specific), plumbing code (IPC or UPC depending on the state), and material standards. Michigan may adopt different code editions than adjacent states. Confirm the specific code edition before purchasing prep materials. Prevailing wage requirements in Michigan apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Hardest construction trade to get into. Apply, network, don't give up after one no.
- 02Family-and-friends hiring is a real pattern in some locals. Persistence beats credentials here.
- 03Almost entirely union — non-union elevator work is essentially nonexistent.
- 04Mechanical-aptitude test is no joke. Study the IUEC EIAT prep material seriously.