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Security, networking & AV
Low Voltage Technician
Electrical work without the licensing gauntlet.
Typical pay
$42k-$85k
How you get in
On-the-job training plus manufacturer certifications
Outlook
Strong; security, networking and smart buildings all expanding
Low voltage techs install and service security cameras, access control, network cabling, alarms and AV systems. Licensing is far lighter than electrical work, and the field sits at the intersection of construction and IT.
A day in the life
- 7:00aLoad the van, review the day's installs
- 8:00aPull cable through a commercial ceiling
- 10:30aTerminate and test network drops
- 12:00pLunch
- 1:00pMount and configure cameras, aim and focus
- 4:00pProgram the access control panel and document the install
How to get in
Helper into technician
Duration
6-18 months
Cost
$0 — paid from day one
Credential
Manufacturer certifications; state low voltage license where required
- Get hired as an installer helper pulling and terminating cable
- Learn structured cabling standards and testing
- Add manufacturer certifications for the camera and access control lines you install
- Move to service and programming, where the skill and pay are
IT or networking crossover
Duration
3-12 months
Cost
$500-$3,000
Credential
Network+ plus manufacturer certifications
- Come in with IT or networking knowledge
- Learn the physical install side — cable pathways, terminations, mounting
- Specialize in networked security and IP video
- The IT half is what most low voltage techs lack, so it is a real advantage
Specialize in AV or fire alarm
Duration
1-3 years
Cost
$1,000-$8,000
Credential
NICET fire alarm certification or AVIXA CTS
- Build general low voltage experience
- Move into fire alarm, which requires NICET certification and pays substantially more
- Or into commercial AV with a CTS credential
- Both niches are licensed, better paid and less crowded
What people love
- · Enter with no experience and no license in most states
- · Bridges the trades and IT
- · Growing with security and smart building demand
- · Less physically punishing than the heavy trades
What wears people down
- · Ceilings, attics and crawlspaces are the work environment
- · Pay lags licensed electricians
- · Constant new-product learning curves
- · Some states do require a low voltage license