Otis CEO Says Demand for Elevator Mechanics Remains High

Otis CEO Judy Marks said demand for elevator mechanics is high and the company cannot hire them fast enough. Marks oversees a workforce of roughly 72,000 employees, including about 45,000 mechanics. When Otis spun off from its parent company in April 2020, it employed about 40,000 field professionals. 5 percent to 45,000, Otis said.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that elevator and escalator installers and repairers will grow by 5 percent between 2024 and 2034. Marks said mechanics also maintain and repair equipment. In markets such as Japan, she said a declining population combined with construction and refurbishment has increased hiring needs.

Otis offers an apprenticeship program that begins at age 18. Participants work as helpers during the day and attend elevator service school at night. After completing a four-year apprenticeship and passing a mechanic's exam, workers reach journeyman status.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that elevator and escalator installers and repairers earned the highest average salary among construction and extraction occupations in May 2025, at $109,820. The 90th percentile reached $158,890. Marks said many mechanics remain in the trade for decades.

She said Otis has roughly as many mechanics with zero to five years of experience as it does workers with more than 30 years. Marks added that the company offers paid college tuition for mechanics who choose to attend.