Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers: Career Profile
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
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The Daily Work of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Perform?
Typical responsibilities of security and fire alarm systems installers span:
- Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
- Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
- Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
- Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
- Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
- Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
- Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Effective security and fire alarm systems installers draw on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Top Skills
These are the skills that matter most in this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Related Job Titles
This career also goes by job titles like:
- Access Control Technician
- Alarm Adjuster
- Alarm Installation Tech (Alarm Installation Technician)
- Alarm Installer
- Alarm Service Tech (Alarm Service Technician)
- Alarm Technician
- Burglar Alarm Inspector
- Burglar Alarm Installer
Employment and Demand
The U.S. employs around 126,053 security and fire alarm systems installers working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to grow by +5.2% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $88,342 |
| Hourly median | $42.47 |
| 10th percentile | $54,275 |
| 25th percentile | $71,309 |
| 75th percentile | $105,376 |
| 90th percentile | $122,409 |
Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary by State
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $78,080 |
| Minnesota | $77,190 |
| Vermont | $73,530 |
| Rhode Island | $72,410 |
| New York | $66,280 |
| California | $66,010 |
| Maryland | $65,310 |
| Washington | $64,590 |
| Connecticut | $64,420 |
| New Jersey | $62,900 |
| Illinois | $62,550 |
| Alaska | $62,480 |
| Maine | $61,890 |
| Iowa | $61,860 |
| Colorado | $61,750 |
| Wisconsin | $61,270 |
| Ohio | $61,030 |
| Delaware | $60,820 |
| Hawaii | $60,710 |
| Virginia | $60,200 |
| Alabama | $59,660 |
| Florida | $59,570 |
| Nevada | $59,470 |
| Nebraska | $59,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,240 |
| North Dakota | $59,230 |
| Utah | $58,860 |
| Montana | $58,680 |
| North Carolina | $57,440 |
| Kansas | $57,230 |
| Missouri | $57,170 |
| Kentucky | $56,030 |
| Michigan | $54,020 |
| Arizona | $53,490 |
| New Hampshire | $52,640 |
| South Dakota | $51,590 |
| Idaho | $50,430 |
| Georgia | $50,050 |
| Indiana | $49,590 |
| West Virginia | $49,520 |
| Texas | $49,380 |
| Oklahoma | $48,870 |
| Tennessee | $47,400 |
| Arkansas | $47,310 |
| South Carolina | $47,170 |
| Louisiana | $46,110 |
| Mississippi | $45,990 |
| New Mexico | $45,440 |
| Wyoming | $42,350 |
| Guam | $35,600 |
| Puerto Rico | $27,270 |
Top-Paying U.S. Regions
Earnings for security and fire alarm systems installers shift depending on where you work. Top regions by median wage:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $66,091 | 14.2% | 0.88 |
| Middle Atlantic | $63,703 | 14.8% | 1.04 |
| Plains States | $60,037 | 6.7% | 1.25 |
| Rocky Mountains | $58,596 | 4.9% | 1.30 |
| Great Lakes | $58,267 | 9.9% | 0.72 |
| Southeast | $55,190 | 27.5% | 1.18 |
| Southwest | $49,869 | 16.7% | 1.33 |
| Other U.S. Territories | $28,175 | 0.6% | 0.90 |
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | MN | $80,610 | 510 |
| Salem, OR | OR | $79,420 | 70 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $79,070 | 320 |
| St. Cloud, MN | MN | $78,660 | 40 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | OR | $78,110 | 840 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | CA | $77,180 | 920 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | RI | $75,830 | 410 |
| Peoria, IL | IL | $74,990 | 190 |
Which Industries Hire Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
The bulk of security and fire alarm systems installers are concentrated in the following sectors:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 54,570 | $59,110 |
| Construction | 18,140 | $60,500 |
| Wholesale Trade | 5,970 | $54,920 |
| Educational Services | 660 | $59,540 |
| Manufacturing | 250 | $81,900 |
| Retail Trade | 220 | $48,070 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 190 | $55,070 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | 140 | $59,770 |
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Tools and Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Microsoft Windows (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
Work Environment
Daily working conditions for security and fire alarm systems installers is shaped by the following characteristics:
- Telephone Conversations
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How to Become Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Entry-level security and fire alarm systems installers positions require some college, no degree as the typical entry-level education. This career aligns with Medium Preparation Needed (Job Zone 3), reflecting the level of preparation typically expected.
Other Careers to Consider
Similar Occupations
- Security Management Specialists (Primary-Long)
- Penetration Testers (Supplemental)
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (Supplemental)
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers (Supplemental)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians (Primary-Long)
- Lighting Technicians (Primary-Short)
- Electricians (Primary-Long)
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers (Primary-Long)
Degree Programs
Future security and fire alarm systems installers typically earn programs in:
Construction Trades
1 programs across 1 majors
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians
1 programs across 1 majors
References
Data on this page comes from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 49-2098.00 (Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers).
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