Elevator Mechanic in Kentucky: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Elevator mechanics in Kentucky earn a statewide median of $42,670, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kentucky licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Kentucky (May 2025)
- Kentucky median pay
- $42,670 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,420
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,420
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,480
- Employed in Kentucky
- Not published (BLS suppressed)
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Kentucky markets:
- Louisville/Jefferson County
- $42,670
What That Pay Is Worth in Kentucky
Prices in Kentucky run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $42,670 median stretches to roughly $47,306 in national buying-power terms.
Kentucky License and Certification Requirements
Elevator Mechanic / Contractor license (state-regulated) — regulated by the Kentucky Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction (HBC) — Elevator Division.
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate the required years of conveyance experience plus related instruction.
- Kentucky HBC regulates elevators — complete any required license/registration for your role.
Training in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Kentucky is $42,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,420, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,480. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Kentucky?
Elevator Mechanic / Contractor license (state-regulated), overseen by the Kentucky Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction (HBC) — Elevator Division. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Kentucky?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Kentucky metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Kentucky metro areas, Louisville/Jefferson County leads at $42,670. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kentucky statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Kentucky Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction (HBC) — Elevator Division (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 Kentucky wages · Kentucky licensing/certification source
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.