Security & Access Control Technician

Installs cameras, card readers, and alarm systems in businesses and homes.

A day in the life

You wire card readers on an office's doors, mount cameras, and set up the software so security can see every entrance.

Pay over a career

Starting
$40k
Typical
$57k
High
$86k

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Low-voltage training; manufacturer certifications.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, Trade school. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Electronics Technology, Low Voltage (certificate).

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. DIY wireless cameras cut home installs and AI video spots threats; commercial access-control installs stay hands-on.

Could start within a month

Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to alarm and security companies for installer trainee jobs First: State alarm installer registration with a background check in many states

Start now, in high school

Classes: Electronics CTE, Computer science.

Official data: O*NET occupation 49-2098.

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Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.