What Does it Take to Be a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?
Occupation Description Install, program, maintain, or repair security or fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Daily Life Of a Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer
- Order replacement parts.
- Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
- Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
- Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
- Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
- Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Service Technician
- Control Systems Technician
- Home Security Installation Technician
- Surveillance Operator
- Security Engineer
Is There Job Demand for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?
In the United States, there were 72,300 jobs for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,300 new jobs for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,400 positions for Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is somewhere between $29,560 and $71,310.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers who work in Alaska, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,300 |
Alaska | $63,750 |
Arizona | $48,490 |
Arkansas | $34,640 |
California | $51,700 |
Colorado | $55,310 |
Connecticut | $55,040 |
Delaware | $54,080 |
Florida | $42,050 |
Georgia | $40,850 |
Hawaii | $49,470 |
Idaho | $39,370 |
Illinois | $51,870 |
Indiana | $44,690 |
Iowa | $48,860 |
Kansas | $53,890 |
Kentucky | $44,830 |
Louisiana | $43,190 |
Maine | $47,440 |
Maryland | $54,290 |
Massachusetts | $62,330 |
Michigan | $46,250 |
Minnesota | $48,800 |
Mississippi | $45,470 |
Missouri | $53,210 |
Montana | $48,640 |
Nebraska | $43,100 |
Nevada | $51,740 |
New Hampshire | $45,240 |
New Jersey | $53,030 |
New Mexico | $40,380 |
New York | $54,410 |
North Carolina | $45,210 |
North Dakota | $46,080 |
Ohio | $44,520 |
Oklahoma | $46,190 |
Oregon | $53,390 |
Pennsylvania | $49,090 |
Rhode Island | $43,560 |
South Carolina | $40,720 |
South Dakota | $51,360 |
Tennessee | $52,980 |
Texas | $46,520 |
Utah | $48,570 |
Vermont | $50,160 |
Virginia | $50,470 |
Washington | $51,030 |
West Virginia | $36,630 |
Wisconsin | $44,770 |
Wyoming | $44,250 |
What Tools & Technology do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft operating system
- Traceroute
- Microsoft Hyperterminal
Becoming a Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Work

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer might also be interested in the following careers:
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
- Home Appliance Repairers
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
References:
Image Credit: Fran Hogan via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
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