Careers

Garage Doors

Garage door installation, repair, and opener services

$56k/yr median+11% growth (10-yr)2,700 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)CSI 08

Wages & Job Outlook

$56k

Median wage

per year

$38k

Entry wage

per year

$78k

Top 10%

per year

Annual openings

jobs per year

+11% projected job growth over 10 years — much faster than average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule

Full-time service route, M–F with emergency calls

Environment

mixed

Overtime

rare

Physical demand

high

Travel

Travel typically required

Hazard level

Moderate hazard

Moderately cyclical

Overview

Garage door technicians install, repair, and maintain residential and commercial overhead doors and operators. The trade requires knowledge of torsion springs, cables, tracks, and motor systems.

Day in the Life

Service van stocked with springs, cables, rollers, and remotes. Morning: replace broken torsion spring on residential garage door. Midday: install new commercial roll-up door with LiftMaster operator. Afternoon: estimate for new construction door package. Track work orders in field service app.

How to Get Started

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Most technicians train on-the-job with an established garage door company

Duration: 6–18 monthsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Certification-First

certification-first

IDA Door Dealer certification and manufacturer training programs

Duration: days to weeksCost: Low / minimal tuition

Trade School / Vocational Program

trade-school

Limited formal programs; some vocational schools include it in general construction curriculum

Duration: variesCost: Moderate tuition

Find local garage doors training near you

Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers

Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)

Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).

Up to $12,000

Apply →

Federal Pell Grant

Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.

Up to $7,395

Apply →

Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)

Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.

Up to $7,395

Apply →

GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship

Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.

Up to $3,200

Apply →

See all programs you may qualify for →

Job & Training Resources

Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder

A free U.S. Department of Labor tool for finding registered apprenticeship partners — sponsors, educators, and intermediaries.

Apprenticeship Illinois

Illinois's state apprenticeship initiative, hosted on the Illinois workNet portal, connecting career seekers to registered apprenticeship pathways statewide.

CareerStarter by NCCER

NCCER's free platform that helps job seekers explore construction crafts, build a profile, and connect directly with employers and training programs.

Browse all job & training resources →

Career Ladder

Garage Door Installer Helper

$32k/yr

0–1 yrs exp.

Assists with deliveries and basic installs

Junior Technician

$40k/yr

1–2 yrs exp.

Handles routine service calls with oversight

Garage Door Technician

$52k/yr

2–6 yrs exp.

Works independently on installs and complex repairs

Lead Technician

$62k/yr

5+ yrs exp.

Leads installs, mentors junior techs

Garage Door Dealer/Contractor

$80k/yr

5+ yrs exp.

Owns garage door installation and service company

Licensing by State

State	Required?	License type	Issuing body
AZ	Yes	Specialty residential/commercial contractor license (garage door work falls under an ROC specialty classification)	Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
CA	Yes	D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices Contractor (garage-door work is also commonly done under C-61/D-28 limited specialty)	CSLB (Contractors State License Board)
FL	Yes	Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor (Certified)	Florida DBPR / CILB (Construction Industry Licensing Board)
GA	No	–	–
IL	No	–	–
MI	Yes	Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License (garage doors / overhead doors classification)	Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes
NC	No	–	–
NJ	Yes	Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration	New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
NY	No	–	–
OH	No	–	–
PA	Yes	Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration	Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (HICPA)
TN	No	–	–
TX	No	–	–
VA	Yes	Contractor License (Class A / B / C) with applicable specialty designation	Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors
WA	Yes	Construction Contractor Registration (General or Specialty)	Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)