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Elevator Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Elevator Apprentice information

See California salary details

$11

$22

$35

How much do elevator apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for elevator apprentice in California is $22.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an elevator apprentice?

Elevator apprentices are trainees who work under the supervision of experienced elevator mechanics to learn how to install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. They typically participate in a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Over several years, apprentices gain the technical skills and safety knowledge required to become fully licensed elevator technicians. This career path offers hands-on work, good pay, and strong job security due to the specialized nature of the field.

What does an elevator apprentice do?

An elevator apprentice trains under an elevator contractor to learn how to install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and chairlifts. In this role, your responsibilities involve interpreting blueprints, selecting proper equipment, assembling parts, performing electrical work and installation, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. You may handle maintenance duties, including oiling and greasing parts, adjusting equipment, reviewing computerized control systems, and replacing older parts. You also keep accurate and detailed records on all work. As an elevator apprentice, you train how to to use hand and power tools, as well as learn how to detect and resolve issues in brakes, switches, and motors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an elevator apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Elevator Apprentice, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and basic understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems. Familiarity with tools like multimeters, hand and power tools, and safety equipment, along with participation in a recognized apprenticeship program, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure safety, precision, and reliability in installing and maintaining complex elevator systems.

What are some common challenges faced by elevator apprentices during their training period?

Elevator apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering a wide range of technical skills, from electrical wiring to mechanical assembly, while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. The work can be physically demanding and may require working in confined spaces or at heights. Additionally, apprentices must learn to read blueprints, troubleshoot issues under supervision, and collaborate closely with experienced elevator mechanics. Balancing on-the-job learning with classroom instruction is also a key aspect of the apprenticeship experience.

What is the difference between Elevator Apprentice vs Elevator Installer?

AspectElevator ApprenticeElevator Installer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship programHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, maintenance facilitiesConstruction sites, building sites, maintenance
Job RoleAssists with installation, repairs, and maintenance under supervisionInstalls, repairs, and maintains elevators independently

Elevator apprentices are in training, assisting experienced elevator installers. Once fully qualified, elevator installers perform independent installation and repairs. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as an elevator installer, with similar work environments and credentials.

How long is the elevator apprentice program?

The elevator apprentice program typically lasts about 3 to 4 years, during which apprentices complete on-the-job training and classroom instruction to learn elevator installation, maintenance, and repair skills. The program often includes a combination of paid work experience and technical coursework, leading to certification or licensing upon completion.

Is an elevator apprentice worth it?

An elevator apprentice position provides hands-on training and industry-specific skills, such as understanding electrical and mechanical systems, which can lead to a stable career in elevator installation and maintenance. The role often requires working in confined spaces and following safety protocols, and it can lead to certification opportunities that improve job prospects.
More about Elevator Apprentice jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Elevator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Elevator jobs in California are:

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For Elevator Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Elevator Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Elevator Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Elevator Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Elevator Apprentice job openings:

Elevator Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elevator Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,828 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Elevator Installation - Mechanic

McKinley Equipment

Hayward, CA • On-site

$50 - $58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Qualifications:
  • CAT or CA CCCM Limited License
  • Nevada Elevator License
  • Ability to install all accessibility industry products
  • Ability to properly lead and train apprentices
  • Ability to meet all installation budgets
  • Excellent verbal; written communication skills and solid writing and grammar skills
  • Highly organized; reliable and punctual
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and co-workers
  • Ability to successfully prioritize and meet customer needs
  • Computer skills and proficiency including Microsoft office and other cloud based products
  • Knowledgeable in basic hand tool and power tool functions
  • Solid mechanical skills
  • Strong attention to details and accuracy
  • Trustworthy and maintains confidentiality
  • Excellent problem-solver
  • High School Degree or Equivalent plus 2 years industry experience
  • Maintain a valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record

Responsibilities:
  • Expertise with the Vertical Transportation Industry
  • Assist lead installer in the installation, trouble shooting and repair of various types of accessibility equipment
  • Expertise with blueprints to determine the layout of system components
  • Expertise to assemble elevator cars and components
  • Expertise to connect electrical wiring to control panels and motors
  • Expertise with testing newly installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications
  • Expertise with the organizations relevant to the Vertical Transportation Industry
  • Expertise with National Applicable Codes and Regulations
  • Expertise with Accessibility Industry terms
  • Expertise with types of accessibility and residential equipment
  • Expertise with Elevator Industry Field Employees Safety Handbook
  • Expertise with basic electricity and electrical symbols and meanings
  • Expertise with electrical schematics
  • Expertise with troubleshooting conveyance systems; including brakes, motors, switches, hydraulics and control systems
  • Expertise with tools and equipment required to complete the installation safely
  • Expertise with site conditions and what is required to complete the installation
  • Expertise with all components of the conveyances to properly identify each piece and its use to properly assemble the conveyance
  • Expertise with all product installation manuals
  • Expertise with hydraulic pipe fitting and bending
  • Expertise with EMT bending
  • Expertise with Soft Skills Training (critical thinking, teamwork, effective communication and resiliency)
  • Expertise with and read the installation manual cover to cover prior to commencing any installation
  • Expertise with iPhone and apps, iPad and processing work orders in ServiceMax (SMAX) including creating Dash-1 work orders
  • Optional enroll in the CAT Program (Certified Accessibility Technician) and progress through/complete Courses 2, 3 and 4
  • Ability to properly/correctly perform tasks with less supervision industry time guidelines
  • Private Residence Elevator (PRE) - Expertise in Hydraulics; including 1:2 Rope Drive System, Pumps and Motors, Check Valve, Pressure Gauges, Static Pressure, Manual Lowering, Overpressure Relief Valve, and Shutoff Valve
  • PRE - Expertise In Power-Supply and Wiring (Hoistway wiring, in-car lighting, telephone requirements, traveling cables, and travel cables)
  • PRE - Expertise in Battery - Emergency Lowering
  • PRE - Expertise in wiring temp power to controllers on jobsites
  • PRE - Expertise in Drive Systems (winding drum, hydraulic, pneumatic, and chain)
  • PRE - Expertise in rail brackets and rail installation
  • PRE - Expertise in reading and comprehending layout drawings
  • PRE - Expertise with the Car and Sling (assembling the sling, installing safeties, installing the platform, cab alignment and clearances)
  • PRE - Expertise with Entrances (landing doors, side slide doors), Car Doors, Interlocks and Gate Locks and Contacts
  • PRE - Expertise with steps to take Prior to leaving the jobsite. (Safety Check, Operation Check and Installation Checklist Completion, properly document customer punchlist items)
  • Communicate well with Customers, Lead Installer and dispatcher
  • Maintain hand tools necessary for this trade with excellent tools/parts inventory knowledge
  • Ability to follow direction as well as work independently
  • Demonstrate competence and proficiency in the field
  • Contribute to team effort by performing additional duties as requested
  • Demonstrate/show proof of competency of Mechanic Skillsets

Qualifications:
  • CAT or CA CCCM Limited License
  • Nevada Elevator License
  • City of LA - Full elevator license
  • Ability to properly lead and train apprentices
  • Ability to meet all installation budgets
  • Excellent verbal; written communication skills and solid writing and grammar skills
  • Highly organized; reliable and punctual
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and co-workers
  • Ability to successfully prioritize and meet customer needs
  • Computer skills and proficiency including Microsoft office and other cloud based products
  • Knowledgeable in basic hand tool and power tool functions
  • Solid mechanical skills
  • Strong attention to details and accuracy
  • Trustworthy and maintains confidentiality
  • Excellent problem-solver
  • High School Degree or Equivalent plus 2 years industry experience
  • Maintain a valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged sitting and standing
  • Frequent customer interaction, must be able to speak and hear well enough to communicate with others
  • Must be able to see well enough to drive, read electronic screens and electrical schematics and service/operation manuals
  • Ability to hear, smell and touch
  • Grasping/Feeling: must be able to write, type, and use hand and power tools
  • Ability to think and process information quickly, clearly and accurately
  • Strong reasoning ability; able to apply common sense, understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved, written or oral instructions; able to deal logically with problems & people
  • Physically fit for lifting and moving equipment (up to 50 pounds)
  • Ability to stand and work on ladder
  • Ability to be led, ability to follow instructions, make suggestions and are willing to learn
  • Ability to push, pull and perform overhead work
  • Ability to work with various hand and power tools
  • Finger Dexterity - use of finger/fine manipulation. The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
  • Multi-limb coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing or lying down
  • Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged
  • Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms and or legs
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to manufacturer's guidelines. Maximize efficiency
  • Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object
  • Gross Body Equilibrium - The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position
  • Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted
  • Reaction Time - the ability to quickly respond to a signal, e.g. sound, light picture, etc. when it appears
  • Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
  • Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between color, including shades of color and brightness
  • Must be able to climb into/out of vehicle several times per day using 3 points of contact
  • Must be able to use hands and arms to steer and to finger controls and adjust controls needed inside of vehicle
  • Must be able to walk for short periods and navigate stairs
  • Must have enough leg and foot control to climb into vehicle, operate foot controls and safely navigate vehicle through traffic and weather
  • Must able to bend, stoop, crawl and squat in order to perform a vehicle inspection
  • Move two or more limbs together while remaining in place
  • React quickly using hands, fingers and feet
  • Determine the distance between objects; see objects in low light and while moving forward see objects off to the side

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