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Introduction

Mechanical Door Repairers are tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair mechanical and automatic doors found in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These include garage doors, overhead doors, rolling steel doors, security grilles, and automatic sliding doors commonly seen in offices, stores, hospitals, and warehouses.

This career requires a mix of mechanical skills, problem-solving, and customer service, with work often performed on-site at homes or businesses.

What Does a Mechanical Door Repairer Do?

• Installation: Setting up new garage doors, rolling doors, or commercial entry doors.
• Repairs: Fixing broken springs, cables, openers, or track misalignments.
• Maintenance: Lubricating moving parts, replacing worn components, and ensuring safety compliance.
• Electrical Components: Wiring and troubleshooting door openers, motors, and safety sensors.
• Emergency Calls: Responding to urgent service needs when doors malfunction.
• Customer Education: Advising on door operation, safety, and maintenance.

Work often involves both mechanical and electrical knowledge, as many modern doors include motorized and electronic systems.

Average Requirements

Education

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Vocational coursework in mechanics or electrical systems.

Skills

• Mechanical aptitude and hand-tool use.
• Knowledge of electrical wiring basics.
• Physical stamina (lifting doors, bending, climbing).
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Customer service and communication skills.

Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)

• OSHA Safety Certification.
• Manufacturer Training: Many door companies provide product-specific training.
• Lift/Scaffolding Safety Certificates: For working at heights.

Earnings Potential

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): $32,000 – $40,000 annually.
• Mid-Career (3–7 years): $40,000 – $50,000.
• Experienced (8–15 years): $50,000 – $65,000.
• Specialists / Business Owners: $65,000 – $80,000+.

Hourly pay typically ranges from $16–$28/hour, with additional earnings from overtime and emergency calls.

Growth Stages & Promotional Path

Stage 1: Apprentice / Helper

• Learns safety protocols and assists senior repairers.
• Handles cleaning, lifting, and simple adjustments.

Stage 2: Junior Repairer

• Performs routine maintenance and simple repairs independently.
• Works under supervision for complex tasks.

Stage 3: Certified Mechanical Door Repairer

• Handles full installations and complex troubleshooting.
• May specialize in commercial or high-security doors.

Stage 4: Senior Technician / Team Lead

• Supervises junior repairers.
• Handles large-scale installation projects.

Stage 5: Independent Contractor / Business Owner

• Runs a door repair and installation company.
• Manages client accounts and commercial contracts.

Education & Training Path

• High School Prep: Shop, mechanics, and basic electrical courses.
• On-the-Job Training: Most workers learn from senior repairers in 6–12 months.
• Certifications: Safety and manufacturer certifications boost employability.
• Apprenticeships (Optional): Some unions or contractors offer formal apprenticeships.
• Continuing Education: Staying updated on new electronic door systems and safety standards.

Employment Outlook

• Projected Growth: 4–5% through 2032, steady with overall trades growth.
• Demand Drivers:
  • Growth in residential housing with garage doors.
  • Commercial expansion (retail, hospitals, warehouses).
  • Regular wear and tear requiring ongoing repair.
• Industries Hiring:
  • Specialty contractors.
  • Home improvement companies.
  • Independent repair businesses.

Would You Like This Career?

This career may be right for you if:

• You enjoy hands-on, mechanical work.
• You like problem-solving in the field.
• You value a trade that offers both residential and commercial opportunities.
• You want the option to start your own business.

It may not fit if you:

• Dislike physical labor or working outdoors in varied conditions.
• Prefer predictable schedules without emergency calls.
• Don’t want a mix of mechanical and customer service responsibilities.

If you’re considering becoming a Mechanical Door Repairer, a smart step is to check whether your natural strengths align with the physical, technical, and customer-facing aspects of this role. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to see if this path is a fit for you, or if another skilled trade career may align better with your motivations.

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