Elevator Mechanic in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Virginia employs 280 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $108,250 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Virginia (May 2025)
- Virginia median pay
- $108,250 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,220
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $125,740
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $131,620
- Employed in Virginia
- 280
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Virginia markets:
- Roanoke
- $125,680 (30 employed)
- Washington DC metro
- $122,260 (400 employed)
- Richmond
- $108,250 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia
Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $108,250 median is worth closer to $107,072 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)
Virginia is projected to grow elevator mechanics employment +5.4%, about in line with the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Virginia License and Certification Requirements
Virginia Elevator Mechanic License (Class A or B) — regulated by the Virginia DPOR — Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
- Virginia requires an elevator mechanic license through DPOR (the same board that handles electricians and plumbers). Complete the IUEC/NEIEP apprenticeship (4–5 years, 8,000 OJT hours) as the primary qualifying path.
- Apply to DPOR and pass the Virginia elevator mechanic exam. License renews biennially.
- The Northern Virginia/DC metro is one of the densest elevator markets in the country — Amazon HQ2 (Crystal City/Pentagon City), the federal government building stock, and ongoing mixed-use development all drive demand.
Official requirements: Virginia DPOR — Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation →
Training in Virginia
IUEC Local 10 (DC metro/Northern Virginia) and Local 72 (Richmond/Tidewater) serve Virginia mechanics. The NoVA market is especially strong: high-rise residential, large office complexes, and government buildings require constant maintenance and modernization work.
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 Virginia?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Virginia is $108,250 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $131,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Virginia?
Virginia Elevator Mechanic License (Class A or B), overseen by the Virginia DPOR — Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Virginia requires an elevator mechanic license through DPOR (the same board that handles electricians and plumbers). Complete the IUEC/NEIEP apprenticeship (4–5 years, 8,000 OJT hours) as the primary qualifying path.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Virginia?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Virginia metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Virginia metro areas, Roanoke leads at $125,680, followed by Washington DC metro ($122,260), Richmond ($108,250). 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 Virginia?
Virginia projects elevator mechanics employment to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia DPOR — Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.