Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Also called: Alarm Technician · Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech) · Home Security Alarm Installer · Install Technician · Installation Technician · Installer
Median pay (national)
$59,300
$38,410–$81,980 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
81,510
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+10.4%
~9,400 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for security and fire alarm systems installers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $81,980 versus $38,410 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $59,300 leaves roughly 38% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 9,400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, Oregon pays the most for this role (median $78,080, +32% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $27,270 — a 186% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
- Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
- Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Windows
- Exacq Technologies software
- Microsoft Hyperterminal
- Traceroute
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Mechanical