Elevator Mechanic in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

New York employs 3,470 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $135,720 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.

What Elevator mechanics Earn in New York (May 2025)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major New York markets:

What That Pay Is Worth in New York

Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $135,720 median is worth closer to $125,783 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)

New York is projected to shrink elevator mechanics employment -2.8%, slower than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 270 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New York License and Certification Requirements

NYS Elevator Agency Technician License (+ NYC Elevator Mechanic License for NYC work) — regulated by the NYS Department of State — Division of Building Standards and Codes (NYC: NYC DOB).

1. Since January 1, 2022, New York's Elevator Safety Act requires all elevator mechanics to hold a NYS Elevator Agency Technician License. Complete the IUEC/NEIEP apprenticeship (5 years, 8,000+ OJT hours) as the primary qualifying path.
2. Apply to the NYS Department of State for the statewide license. For work anywhere in New York City, an additional NYC DOB Elevator Mechanic License is required — a separate application with the NYC Department of Buildings.
3. New York City has one of the largest elevator fleets in the world. The 2022 licensing law significantly expanded career pathways — many cities and counties outside NYC now have active enforcement.

Official requirements: NYS Department of State — Division of Building Standards and Codes (NYC: NYC DOB) →

Training in New York

IUEC Local 1 (New York City) is one of the largest and most active elevator locals in the US. IUEC Local 35 covers upstate New York (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester). NYC mechanics typically earn among the highest wages in the trade nationally, with strong benefits and pension through the IUEC.

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

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New York statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the NYS Department of State — Division of Building Standards and Codes (NYC: NYC DOB) (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 New York wages · New York 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.