Why Elevator Technicians Are in High Demand in Singapore (2025 Trends)
Singapore is known for its iconic skyline, advanced infrastructure, and rapidly expanding vertical developments. As the city continues to grow upward, the demand for skilled elevator and escalator technicians has surged. In 2025, this profession is considered one of the most stable, future-proof, and high-opportunity careers in the country.
Here’s a detailed look at the key trends driving this demand.
🚀 1. Singapore Is Growing Upwards — More High-Rise Buildings Than Ever
With limited land space, Singapore has no choice but to expand vertically. Residential HDB blocks, condominiums, office towers, malls, hospitals, MRT hubs, and industrial complexes all depend on elevators and escalators 24/7.
Why this increases demand for technicians:
- Every new building requires lift installation.
- Every lift requires monthly maintenance.
- Escalators in malls and transport hubs run thousands of hours per year.
- More buildings = more machines = more manpower needed.
As new infrastructure projects continue into 2025 and beyond, the industry’s need for skilled technicians only grows stronger.
🏚️ 2. Thousands of Aging Lifts Need Regular Servicing & Upgrades
Many lifts in Singapore’s older HDB towns and commercial buildings were installed 15–30 years ago. These aging systems require:
- Frequent servicing
- Part replacements
- Safety upgrades
- Modernisation to newer technologies
Older lifts also break down more often, increasing demand for troubleshooting and technical expertise.
This creates long-term job stability:
Trained technicians will always be needed because preventive maintenance is mandatory by law.
🤖 3. Smart Elevators = Need for More Skilled Talent
Modern elevators are no longer purely mechanical — they are digital machines controlled by advanced electronics, sensors, and automation systems.
New buildings increasingly use:
- AI-powered maintenance systems
- IoT-based remote monitoring
- Destination control systems
- Machine-room-less (MRL) elevators
- High-speed lifts in commercial towers
Why this matters for technicians:
The industry now needs technicians who understand both mechanical and digital systems.
This shift creates a strong demand for well-trained, certified professionals.
👷♂️ 4. Workforce Shortage: Many Older Technicians Are Retiring
A large part of Singapore’s current elevator workforce is above 45–50 years old. Many will retire within the next decade.
What this means:
- More hiring
- More opportunities for young technicians
- Faster promotions
- Higher salaries due to manpower shortage
Companies are actively searching for new talent to fill the gap. If you join the industry now, you are entering at the perfect time.
💰 5. Rising Salaries and Better Career Growth in 2025
In recent years, the lift and escalator industry has raised wages across almost all job levels. With demand increasing and talent decreasing, companies are offering:
- Competitive monthly salaries
- Overtime opportunities
- Rapid career progression
- Specialised training programmes
- Clear promotion paths
From a maintenance technician to a senior engineer, and eventually a project manager, the industry offers long-term career growth.
🛡️ 6. Strict Safety Standards Make Maintenance Mandatory
Singapore has one of the strictest safety regulations for elevators and escalators. Building owners must ensure:
- Regular servicing
- Annual inspections
- Safety certification
- Upgrades when required
This makes the industry recession-proof — lifts cannot operate without technicians.
Result:
Constant, non-stop demand for certified professionals.
🔧 7. Large-Scale Modernisation Projects Are Underway
Many older buildings are upgrading their lift systems to newer, more energy-efficient and safer designs.
This includes:
- Replacing old motors
- Installing advanced control panels
- Upgrading safety features
- Improving energy consumption
- Replacing entire lift systems
Each modernisation project requires:
- Installers
- Technicians
- Engineers
- Safety inspectors
These projects will run for years, ensuring continuous work.
🌟 Conclusion: 2025 Is the Best Time to Become an Elevator Technician in Singapore
The lift and escalator industry is experiencing one of its strongest growth phases ever. With:
- More buildings being constructed
- Aging lifts needing upgrades
- Smart elevators becoming the new standard
- Older technicians retiring
- Better salaries and benefits
- Mandatory safety regulations
…the demand for skilled, certified technicians is higher than ever.
If you are considering entering this field, now is the perfect time to get trained.