How To Become A Security Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a security technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Security technicians are responsible for maintaining the integrity of their company's assets. They collect data to analyze and provide summarizations of trends. They are also responsible for issuing IDs and responding promptly to tickets that users raise regarding issues affecting their computer systems. Security technicians fix and protect computer systems from data theft by staying abreast of the latest technological developments. Security technicians earn a median sum of $58,000 annually or $28 per hour.

Security technicians identify and troubleshoot basic network problems on hardware or software. They collaborate with the IT team of their organization to install emergency arrangement so that systems recover quickly if they are taken down by malware. They also design information security plans and extend support to help in carrying out the strategy.

Security technicians typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or other related fields, but these degrees are not required. Security technicians are expected to have some experience with firewall administration and network security. Some employers prefer candidates with the ability to work on-call as needs arise and work independently to resolve issues.

ScoreSecurity TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,338

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.8

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.39%

Asian 4.29%

Black or African American 9.29%

Hispanic or Latino 17.78%

Unknown 5.19%

White 63.06%

Gender

female 17.02%

male 82.98%

Age - 44

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 - 44

Stress level

8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a security technician

Explore security technician education requirements

Most common security technician degrees

Bachelor's

35.8 %

Associate

30.4 %

High School Diploma

21.0 %

Start to develop specific security technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	9.74%
CCTV	6.02%
Control Systems	5.89%
Test Equipment	5.56%
Patrol	5.33%

Complete relevant security technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security technicians 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 a security technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security technician resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed security technician usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed security technician in most of states. 19 states require security technicians to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Alabama	-	-	Certified Burglar Alarm Qualifying Agent
Arkansas	Specific course required	State exam required	Alarm Systems Technician
California	Specific course required	State exam required	Alarm Company Agent
Florida	Specific course required	State exam required	Registered Alarm System Contractor I
Georgia	-	State exam required	Low Voltage-Alarm

Gain additional security technician certifications

Security technician 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 security technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for security technicians include Security 5 Certification and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

More About Certifications

Research security technician duties and responsibilities

Manage CCTV accounts including installation and maintenance.
Climb ladders from 6'-25'.
Experience with Amag, Hirsch, RS2 . )
Experience installing equipment with the following companies: Bosch Pelco G.E.

Prepare your security technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a security technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable security technician resume templates

Build a professional security technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your security technician resume.