Low Voltage Technician
Data cabling, security cameras, access control, fire alarms, AV — the systems that make a building smart and safe. Different code, different licensing, and a more accessible entry point than NEC electrical work.
Low Voltage Technician goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Low Voltage Technician trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Low-voltage techs run cabling and equipment under 50 volts — the systems that don't fall under the NEC. That includes structured cabling (Cat6 / fiber for data networks), CCTV camera systems, access-control card readers and door-strike controllers, fire-alarm initiating devices and notification appliances, AV systems for conference rooms and venues, and intrusion detection.
Specializations diverge fast and matter for licensing. A Data Cable Technician runs structured cabling under BICSI standards. A Security System Installer installs CCTV and access control under state alarm-installer licensing. A Fire Alarm Technician works under NICET certification and NFPA 72. An AV Technician integrates audio/video systems — a separate world with InfoComm/AVIXA credentials.
Most low-voltage techs work for security integrators, IT cabling contractors, or specialty firms (fire-alarm-only, AV-only). The work is less physically demanding than NEC electrical, the entry barrier is lower, and the pay catches up fast for techs who specialize.
How you move up as a Low Voltage Tech
Most progression is certification-driven rather than licensing-driven. Three credential bodies dominate: BICSI for structured cabling, NICET for fire alarm, and state alarm-installer licensing for security and CCTV work. Open-shop apprenticeships through ABC and merit-shop integrators are the most common entry path. BLS OES 49-2022, May 2025.
Helper / Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Low Voltage Technicians earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2025 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Is Low Voltage Technician a growing trade?
Core craft + supporting skills
Core skills (orange) are required for the Low Voltage Technician trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Low Voltage Technician trade
Direct hire as a helper
Most low-voltage techs come in as helpers at security integrators, IT cabling contractors, or fire-alarm shops. No apprenticeship required — the trade trains on the job.
ABC Telecommunications Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered apprenticeship through Associated Builders & Contractors. NCCER Telecommunications curriculum + employer-paid BICSI training. ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
BICSI / NICET / Manufacturer Stack
BICSI ITS Installer 1 → Installer 2 → Technician → RCDD for cabling. NICET Fire Alarm Levels I–IV for fire-alarm work. Manufacturer certs for the platforms your shop sells (Lenel, S2, Brivo for access; Bosch, Notifier, Siemens for fire).
Other certifications that help
OSHA 10 / 30. State alarm-installer license (each state has its own). Lift / scissor lift cert (most jobs require it). InfoComm/AVIXA CTS for AV-specialized work.
Common pathways into Low Voltage Technician work
KinTrades welcomes Low Voltage Technician workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Army 25-series Signal Corps (25A General Signal, 25B IT Specialist, 25H Network Communications, 25U Signal Support), Navy Information Systems Technician (IT), and Air Force 1D7X1 Cyber Transport Systems all bring transferable cabling and systems-integration experience — direct crosswalk to BICSI work.
Veterans with security clearances can move directly into federal cabling contracts.
The GI Bill covers BICSI Installer 1 testing fees and approved tech-school programs.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Low-voltage is one of the most accessible electrical entry points for HS grads. BICSI ITS Installer 1 is exam-only — many HS students self-study and take the exam before they're hired.
NCCER Telecommunications curriculum is taught at HS CTE programs in NoVA, MD, and the Triangle.
Security integrators and IT cabling contractors hire HS grads as helpers with no prior credentials.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Low-voltage work is one of the most accessible electrical entry points for second-chance workers — the trade hires on skill and willingness to learn, and entry-level helpers often start with no prior credentials.
State alarm-installer licenses generally require background checks (because techs end up with master keys and access-control credentials), so applicants should plan ahead with the licensing board if they want to go beyond data cabling.
ABC apprenticeships and IT cabling contractors typically do not require background checks at entry level.
Second-chance hiringCertifications, apprenticeships & licensing for Low Voltage Technicians
Certifications that move you up
- BICSI Installer 1 (BICSI INST1) Recommended
- BICSI Installer 2, Copper (BICSI INSTC) Advancement
- BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber (BICSI INSTF) Advancement
- BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (BICSI RCDD) Advancement
- NICET Fire Alarm Systems (NICET FAS) Recommended
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA-10) Recommended
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction (OSHA-30) Advancement
Registered apprenticeship programs
- IBEW Local 26 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 24 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 26 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 379 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 553 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 1340 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 26 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
- IBEW Local 666 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 5 yr
Union locals in our region
- IBEW Local 1340 VA
- IBEW Local 24 MD
- IBEW Local 26 DC, MD, VA
- IBEW Local 379 NC
- IBEW Local 553 NC
- IBEW Local 666 VA
State licensing boards
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Common questions about becoming a Low Voltage Technician
What does a Low Voltage Technician do?
Low-voltage techs run cabling and equipment under 50 volts — the systems that don't fall under the NEC. That includes structured cabling (Cat6 / fiber for data networks), CCTV camera systems, access-control card readers and door-strike controllers, fire-alarm initiating devices and notification appliances, AV systems for conference rooms and venues, and intrusion detection.
What does a Low Voltage Technician make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2025, Low Voltage Technicians earn an annual median of $61K in Virginia (range $44K–$90K), $73K in DC ($52K–$131K), $63K in Maryland ($44K–$99K), and $64K in North Carolina ($48K–$94K).
How do you become a Low Voltage Technician?
Direct hire as a helper: Most low-voltage techs come in as helpers at security integrators, IT cabling contractors, or fire-alarm shops. No apprenticeship required — the trade trains on the job.
How long is Low Voltage Technician apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1–2 years before a tech is running solo on a job. Most progression is certification-driven rather than licensing-driven. Three credential bodies dominate: BICSI for structured cabling, NICET for fire alarm, and state alarm-installer licensing for security and CCTV work. Open-shop apprenticeships through ABC and merit-shop integrators are the most common entry path.
Is Low Voltage Technician a growing career?
Yes — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections have Low Voltage Technician employment set to decline 4.2% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS projects about 13,200 openings per year nationally, most from workers retiring or leaving the trade.
Is Low Voltage Technician a good career path for someone with a record?
Low-voltage work is one of the most accessible electrical entry points for second-chance workers — the trade hires on skill and willingness to learn, and entry-level helpers often start with no prior credentials. State alarm-installer licenses generally require background checks (because techs end up with master keys and access-control credentials), so applicants should plan ahead with the licensing board if they want to go beyond data cabling. ABC apprenticeships and IT cabling contractors typically do not require background checks at entry level.