Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $45,810 more a year than electricians (73%). In the 53 metros where BLS publishes both, electricians earn more in 0 and elevator installers in 53.
| Electrician | Elevator Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,440 | $108,250 |
| Lowest metro median | $33,630 | $38,330 |
| Highest metro median | $105,500 | $173,920 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.2% | +5.7% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 72,700 | 1,900 |
| Self-employed | 7% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 97 | 101 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 53 |
On safety, elevator installers report more injuries that cause missed work (101 vs. 97 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where elevator installers out-earn electricians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, electricians earn more in 1 states and elevator installers in 36. The gap favors electricians most in Kentucky ($17,050) and elevator installers most in Nevada ($68,380).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for electricians, occasionally for elevator installers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: sometimes for electricians, very often for elevator installers.
| Electrician | Elevator Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Very often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Often | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Very often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Very often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Compare one trade across two cities →