Elevator Mechanic in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Wisconsin employs 370 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $77,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $77,640 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,620
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,080
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $126,830
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 370
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $128,020 (380 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $78,110 (140 employed)
- Appleton
- $75,250 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,640 median stretches to roughly $82,508 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow elevator mechanics employment +8.6%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Elevator Mechanic license (state-regulated) — regulated by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) — 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 Wisconsin elevator mechanic license through DSPS; the state regulates elevator work and inspections.
Official requirements: Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) — Elevator program →
Training in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in Wisconsin is $77,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,620, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $126,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in Wisconsin?
Elevator Mechanic license (state-regulated), overseen by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) — Elevator program. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in Wisconsin?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which Wisconsin metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $128,020, followed by Milwaukee ($78,110), Appleton ($75,250). 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects elevator mechanics employment to change +8.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) — 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 Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin 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.