LOW VOLTAGE TECHNICIAN
Installs data, voice, video, fire alarm, access control, security cabling. The 'electrical work without the high voltage' trade. New York is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in New York: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with NYC Department of Buildings. Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in New York. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $18–$25/hr | $36,000 – $50,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $28–$48/hr | $56,000 – $96,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $60,240 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $96,130 |
New York is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in New York's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
New York runs its own State Apprenticeship Agency. Programs are registered with the New York State Department of Labor — not the federal RAPIDS system. NYC also layers additional local licensing requirements on top. Find programs at labor.ny.gov.
- · IBEW (some locals)
- · CWA (Communications Workers)
The Exam.
Most states use the NEC (National Electrical Code) as the basis for the journeyman and master electrician exam. New York may be on a different NEC edition than the current one — confirm which edition before you study. Pass rates vary significantly: some states run 50–60% first-time pass rates, others run higher. PSI Exams and Prometric administer most state electrical exams. Bring your NEC codebook (tabbed) where allowed. Prevailing wage requirements in New York apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01License requirements vary wildly by state. Check before you commit.
- 02Some 'low-voltage' jobs are actually full electrical work mislabeled — verify scope.
- 03AI/data center buildout is creating a temporary boom — plan for the cycle.
- 04New York City layers its own licensing on top of state licensing. If you plan to work in NYC, check NYC DOB requirements separately — state journeyman status is not enough on its own.
- 05IBEW Local 3 in NYC is among the most competitive and best-paid locals in the country. Waitlists are real. Apply, but also apply to adjacent locals (Local 25, Local 1430).