Overview
Delaware requires a state-issued license to work independently as a elevator mechanic. Licensing is administered by Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) — Elevator Safety. Requirements include supervised experience, a written exam, and payment of licensing fees.
Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) — Elevator Safety before beginning your application, as rules can change.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Training level. Work under a certified mechanic in a registered NEIEP apprenticeship. | Registration only |
| Elevator Constructor | Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and lifts. | Yes. State and NEIEP certification exam |
| Modernizer / Inspector | Modernize existing equipment and perform safety inspections. | Additional certification |
Step-by-step path
Join a NEIEP apprenticeship program
Apply through IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) Local 6 or a non-union program. Highly competitive — apply early.
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
Four-year apprenticeship combining field work with NEIEP classroom instruction covering electrical, mechanical, and safety systems.
Pass the state elevator mechanic exam
The exam covers Delaware elevator safety code, ASME A17.1 standards, and electrical systems. Fee is approximately $80.
Apply for your Delaware certificate
Submit your application to Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) Elevator Safety section with your exam results.
Renew biennially
Your Delaware elevator mechanic certificate renews every two years. Continuing education is required.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application / registration | Varies (check board) |
| Licensing exam | $80 |
| License issuance | Varies (check board) |
| License renewal (biennial) | Varies (check board) |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Delaware wages are approximately $84,120/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $25–$40/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $45–$70/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $65–$100/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| IUEC apprenticeship application | Varies (openings by local) | Apply to local IUEC; acceptance is competitive and tied to local job openings. |
| NEIEP apprenticeship | 4–5 years | Structured 4–5 year paid apprenticeship combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. |
| State mechanic certification exam | 2–4 weeks to schedule | Most states require passing a state exam based on ASME A17.1 code. |
| License application processing | 2–4 weeks | Submit application with NEIEP completion certificate and exam results. |
Union vs. independent path
Elevator mechanics are almost universally unionized through the IUEC. The NEIEP apprenticeship is the standard entry pathway into this trade. Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (IUEC) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Training program | IUEC/NEIEP 4–5 year apprenticeship (paid, free tuition) | Non-union pathways are very limited |
| Wages during training | Starting at ~50% journeyman rate, increasing to 90% by year 4 | Not standardized; rare outside IUEC |
| Benefits | Full IUEC benefits (health, pension, annuity) | Non-union benefits vary widely |
| Job access | IUEC locals dispatch to signatory contractors (Otis, KONE, Schindler, etc.) | Very limited; mostly smaller independent companies |
| Licensing support | Program prepares candidates for state exams | Candidate's own responsibility |
| Wages (journeyman) | $45–$70/hr depending on market; highest in NY, CA, IL metros | Lower outside IUEC |
Transferring your license from another state
Elevator mechanic licenses vary by state but IUEC union card holders have strong national mobility through signatory contractor agreements. Some states have reciprocity for mechanics licensed in other states under equivalent standards. ASME A17.1 is the national standard, which helps with portability.
If you currently hold a elevator mechanic license in another state and want to work in Delaware, contact the Delaware Division of Revenue / professional licensing boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Elevator mechanics work extensively with electrical systems. See the Electrician license guide for Delaware to compare the two trades.
General contractors on high-rise projects work closely with elevator mechanics. See the General Contractor license guide for Delaware.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- NEIEP — Elevator industry apprenticeship program NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) runs the primary elevator mechanic apprenticeship. Apply through your local IUEC union hall. neiep.org
- IUEC — Find your local union hall The International Union of Elevator Constructors manages apprenticeship entry. Locate your local and apply for the next apprenticeship class. iuec.org
- QEI — Qualified Elevator Inspector certification For those pursuing elevator inspection and modernization — QEI certification from NAESA is the industry standard. naesai.org
Elevator Mechanic Jobs in Delaware
Current openings near you — updated daily.
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