Elevator Constructors, also known as Elevator Mechanics, assemble and install electric and hydraulic passenger and freight elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters.

JOB DUTIES 

Elevator Constructors may:

Study blueprints and lay out the location of framework, counter-balance rails, motor pumps, cylinders,

and plunger foundations

Drill holes in concrete or structural steel members secure anchor bolts or weld brackets to support

rails and framework

Verify alignments

Install cables, counterweights, pumps, motor foundations, elevator cars, escalator drivers, control

panels, and other parts

Position electric motor and equipment on top of the elevator shaft

Connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors

Test and adjust elevators for maximum performance

Perform preventive maintenance and maintain equipment

Elevator Repairers may:

Check that safety regulations and building codes are met, and complete service reports verifying

conformance to standards

Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test

equipment

Take defective units apart and repair or replace parts

Install push button controls to modernize elevators

Oil elevator parts

Maintain books on work performed

To watch a video on Elevator Constructors and Repairers, click here !

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES    

Elevator Constructors may be designated according to the type of equipment installed such as electric elevator constructors, hydraulic elevator constructors, or escalator constructors. They may specialize in these areas:

825.361-010  ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS (also known as elevator mechanics) assemble and install electric and hydraulic passenger and freight elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters.

825.281-030  ELEVATOR REPAIRERS maintain and repair elevators, escalators, and similar equipment to meet safety regulations and building codes.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

An Elevator Constructor usually works as a member of a small crew consisting of skilled Elevator Constructors and Elevator Construction Helpers. In new construction, Elevator Constructors work in semi-completed buildings to install elevators, escalators, and moving platforms. In existing buildings, they may repair or replace old installations with new equipment or automatic control devices. Work areas are often dusty, dirty, noisy, poorly lighted, and sometimes cramped. Elevator shafts are also poorly lighted. Workers may be exposed to such dangers as falls and electrical shock.

Elevator Constructors usually work 40 hours per week. Overtime may be necessary to meet construction deadlines or to service elevators or similar equipment. Because their work is performed in semi-completed or existing buildings, Elevator Constructors lose less work time as a result of poor weather conditions than some other types of building workers. They must travel to job sites within their local area. Most Elevator Constructors are members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors . Those who belong to this union must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with tools and equipment to make and repair things

• Working as a member of a team to produce tangible results

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and apply mechanical principles

• Visualize how flat drawings and diagrams would look as solid objects

• Apply shop mathematics to practical problems

• Plan your work and select the proper tools and materials

• Evaluate information by measurable, verifiable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a given elevator travels 10 feet in 2 seconds, what is the speed of the elevator?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

An ammeter measures current (amps) and a voltmeter measures voltage (volts). A basic component of both of these meters is a galvanometer.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an efficiency report to your supervisor explaining how given elevators are operating.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to locate a problem with an elevator and then decide the best way to correct it.

 The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Elevator Constructor for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE:  On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School diploma or equivalent or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS ***

0500 BUILDING TRADES, 0700 CAREERS, 1200 ELECTRONICS, 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS, 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script  

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources of More Information below.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script. 

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the hazardous nature of the work, summer and part-time work are usually unavailable to individuals under 18. To see Elevator Constructors at work, school field trips to construction sites may be arranged. Much of the technical work of elevator construction, such as blueprint reading and electrical wiring, may be learned in high schools or community colleges.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Elevator Constructor employer

internships

volunteer work with a Elevator Constructor employer

community service work with an agency

Many Elevator Constructors locate jobs by contacting elevator manufacturers, local contractors who specialize in elevator installation or maintenance, or local union offices. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from high school placement offices or a local office of the Michigan Works!  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, experienced unionized Elevator Constructors working for industrial and commercial contractors earned an average estimated hourly rate of about $39.11 in early 2009. This hourly wage includes pension, vacation, apprentice, and other contributions. The median weekly earnings of Elevator Installers and Repairers in the U.S. were $924 or $23.10 per hour in 2008.   The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $722 or $18.05 per hour in 2008.

Beginning Elevator Constructors in Michigan start at a rate of pay which is 50 to 70 percent of what skilled Elevator Constructors earn. For overtime work most Elevator Constructors receive 1.5 or 2 times their hourly rate of pay.

The union hourly rates, including fringe benefits, for Elevator Constructors in Michigan were (early 2009):

Licensed Elevator Repairers employed by the State of Michigan earned between $18.20 and $24.81 per hour (mid 2009).  Elevator Inspectors employed by the State of Michigan earned between $19.61 and $29.09 per hour. Union members generally receive their benefits through insurance, pension, and vacation funds established by union contracts.

Elevator Constructors employed by the City of Detroit earned $28.51 per hour in early 2009. Elevator Mechanics earned $27.90 per hour and Supervising Elevator Inspectors earned $30.43 per hour. 

The 2007 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who are working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.37 per hour in 2008.

Possible steps in a career ladder include: helper, Elevator Constructor, and supervisor or job estimator. With experience, ability to supervise, or successful completion of an examination, Elevator Constructors may advance to positions such as supervisor or inspector.

 Experienced workers with enough money and the necessary business knowledge may start their own contracting businesses. With additional education, these workers may enter sales positions with elevator manufacturers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, approximately 21,800 Elevator Constructors were employed in 2006. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016 because of the growth in the number of high-rise commercial and apartment buildings being constructed or renovated. The industry distribution for Elevator Constructors looked like this:

Unlike workers in most other construction trades, Elevator Constructors usually work year round. When new construction declines, the demand for repair and maintenance of older elevators increases. Because of high earnings and steady employment, there is relatively little turnover. A few openings will occur from growth, but because of the small numbers employed, the total number of openings will be limited.

Approximately 950 Elevator Constructors are employed in Michigan. Most of them work for special trade contractors that install, maintain, and repair elevators. In late 2008, there were 181 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 26 completed the apprenticeship program during the prior 12 months.

Employment of Elevator Constructors in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 30 annual job openings is expected with 10 due to growth and 20 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  Because of the many improvements and innovations in elevator engineering, Elevator Constructors will need to have more extensive skills and training in electronics.

The employment of Elevator Constructors depends largely on the level of private and public construction activity, particularly construction of multi-level buildings.  The replacement or modernization of many elevators in older buildings to conform to new energy use of standards should provide some employment opportunities. 

MICHIGAN  'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION      

  Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth