How long does it take to become an Installer?

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become an installer. That is the time it takes to learn specific installer skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education.

How do I become a service provider at Lowes?

To become a service provider at Lowe's, a company must be fully licensed and certified. Lowe's installers must meet the licensing requirements of the state they operate in, and Lowe's provides a list of installer licenses by the state on their website.

How much does Home Depot pay subcontractors?

Home Depot pays subcontractors an average yearly salary of $50,000. Since all home services performed through The Home Depot, including plumbing services, are performed by independent contractors, there is ample opportunity to make good money working as a subcontractor for Home Depot.

How To Become An Installer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an installer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

An installer is an individual who is responsible for installing various types of equipment, systems or software. Installers work in a variety of industries such as construction, telecommunications, and technology. They are trained to read blueprints, follow instructions and use specialized tools to ensure proper installation. Installers may be responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment once it has been installed. They must be detail-oriented, possess good communication skills and have the ability to troubleshoot problems.

ScoreInstallerUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,799

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.11%

Asian 1.60%

Black or African American 7.09%

Hispanic or Latino 23.31%

Unknown 4.65%

White 62.23%

Gender

female 4.36%

male 95.64%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an installer?

Pros

Hands-on work with tangible results
Opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking
Potential for career growth and advancement
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Satisfaction in helping customers achieve their goals

Cons

Physically demanding work that can lead to fatigue and injury
Exposure to hazardous materials and environments
Tight deadlines and time pressures
Inconsistent workloads or job availability
Potential for encountering difficult or unhappy customers

Key steps to become an installer

Explore installer education requirements

Most common installer degrees

High School Diploma

45.0 %

Associate

19.7 %

Bachelor's

16.2 %

Start to develop specific installer skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	26.68%
Windows	11.01%
Plumbing	10.30%
Work Ethic	8.74%
Safety Procedures	4.91%

Complete relevant installer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New installers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an installer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real installer resumes.

Gain additional installer certifications

Installer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific installer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for installers include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Transit Bus Technician: Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC).

More About Certifications

Research installer duties and responsibilities

Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
Experience with brazing, running new line set, and EPA certify.
Install various heating and air conditioning systems like water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, a/c condensers.
Work with steel snips, brake and screw guns.

Apply for installer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an installer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do installers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Installer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021

Cons

OSHA doesn’t keep up with the safety of billboards every day i risk my life 100+ft with no safety cables

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020

Pros

Making houses curb appeal look great

Cons

Not getting paid for drive time. Giving quote for free

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019