Employment of elevator installers and repairers is expected to grow 11 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for workers will depend on growth in nonresidential construction, such as office buildings and stores that have elevators and escalators. This sector of the construction industry is expected to grow rapidly during the projections decade as the economy rebounds from the recent recession.
In addition, the need to continually maintain, update, and repair old equipment; provide access to the disabled; and install increasingly sophisticated equipment and controls should add to the demand for elevator installers and repairers.
Another factor causing an increase in demand for elevator installers and repairers is a growing number of elderly people who require stair lifts and elevators for easier access in their homes.
Overall job opportunities should be excellent because the dangerous and physically challenging aspects of the work reduce the number of qualified applicants. Job prospects for entry-level workers should be best for those who have postsecondary education in electronics or who have experience in the military.
Elevators, escalators, lifts, moving walkways, and related equipment need to keep working year-round, so employment of elevator repairers is less affected by economic downturns and seasonality than employment in other construction occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition