Elevator Mechanic in Ohio: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Ohio employs 690 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $105,020 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Ohio licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Ohio (May 2025)
- Ohio median pay
- $105,020 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $56,860
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $116,870
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $123,460
- Employed in Ohio
- 690
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Ohio
Prices in Ohio run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $105,020 median stretches to roughly $113,168 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Ohio (2024–2034)
Ohio is projected to grow elevator mechanics employment +5.3%, about in line with the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Ohio License and Certification Requirements
Ohio Elevator Mechanic License — regulated by the Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance.
- Complete the IUEC/NEIEP apprenticeship (4–5 years, 8,000 OJT hours) — the standard qualifying path for the Ohio elevator mechanic license.
- Apply to the Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance and pass the state elevator mechanic exam. License renews biennially.
- Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati are the major markets. The Division of Industrial Compliance also handles elevator inspection — an additional credential path for experienced mechanics.
Official requirements: Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance →
Training in Ohio
IUEC Local 11 operates across Ohio, serving Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Ohio's healthcare construction boom (Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, UC Health, ProMedica) and university expansions have driven strong elevator mechanic demand over the past decade.
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 Ohio?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Ohio is $105,020 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $56,860, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $123,460. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Ohio?
Ohio Elevator Mechanic License, overseen by the Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance. Complete the IUEC/NEIEP apprenticeship (4–5 years, 8,000 OJT hours) — the standard qualifying path for the Ohio elevator mechanic license.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Ohio?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Is Elevator Mechanic a growing career in Ohio?
Ohio projects elevator mechanics employment to change +5.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), Ohio statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance (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 Ohio wages · Ohio 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.