Elevator Mechanic in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Minnesota employs 550 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $128,020 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $128,020 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $64,940
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $131,040
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $135,490
- Employed in Minnesota
- 550
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $128,020 (380 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $128,020 median stretches to roughly $129,838 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow elevator mechanics employment +8.9%, 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.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Elevator Constructor license — regulated by the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry (DLI).
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate the required years of conveyance experience plus related instruction.
- Pass the exam and obtain the Minnesota elevator constructor license from DLI.
Official requirements: Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry (DLI) →
Training in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Minnesota is $128,020 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,940, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $135,490. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Minnesota?
Elevator Constructor license, overseen by the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry (DLI). Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Minnesota?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Minnesota metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $128,020. 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 Minnesota?
Minnesota projects elevator mechanics employment to change +8.9% 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry (DLI) (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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.