Elevator Mechanic in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Oregon employs 230 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $138,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $138,600 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $76,440
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $146,790
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $159,230
- Employed in Oregon
- 230
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $138,600 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $138,600 median is worth closer to $134,043 once higher local prices are factored in.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
Elevator Mechanic license (state-regulated) — regulated by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Elevator program.
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate the required years of conveyance experience plus related instruction.
- Obtain the Oregon elevator mechanic license through BCD; the state regulates elevator work and inspections.
Official requirements: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Elevator program →
Training in Oregon
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 Oregon?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Oregon is $138,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $76,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $159,230. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Oregon?
Elevator Mechanic license (state-regulated), overseen by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Elevator program. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Oregon?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Oregon metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $138,600. 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Elevator program (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.