Elevator Mechanic in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Colorado employs 530 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $123,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $123,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $125,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $135,810
- Employed in Colorado
- 530
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $123,360 (450 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $123,360 median is worth closer to $119,651 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow elevator mechanics employment +25.9%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Conveyance Mechanic license — regulated by the Colorado Division of Oil & Public Safety (OPS), Dept. of Labor & Employment.
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate 3 years (1,700 hours/year) of conveyance work on the equipment for your license type.
- Pass the OPS exam (or an OPS-approved exam such as NEIEP's) to earn the Colorado Conveyance Mechanic license; renew with 8 hours of CE every 2 years.
Official requirements: Colorado Division of Oil & Public Safety (OPS), Dept. of Labor & Employment →
Training in Colorado
One of the highest-paid trades. Entry is competitive and union-driven; apply to NEIEP/IUEC openings when they post.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want top-tier trade wages, don't mind heights and confined spaces, and are comfortable with both electrical and mechanical systems.
Think twice if: Claustrophobia, heights, or working alone in machine rooms and shafts sounds difficult.
Why it's resilient: Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
First Steps
Find your local NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) or IUEC apprenticeship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elevator mechanics make in Colorado?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Colorado is $123,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $135,810. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Colorado?
Conveyance Mechanic license, overseen by the Colorado Division of Oil & Public Safety (OPS), Dept. of Labor & Employment. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Colorado?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Colorado metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $123,360. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Elevator Mechanic a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects elevator mechanics employment to change +25.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Division of Oil & Public Safety (OPS), Dept. of Labor & Employment (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.