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Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $60,070/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$38,800$81,150

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +10.4% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 9,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
InstallationCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingOperations MonitoringComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisTroubleshooting
Top knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageMechanical
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

The median pay for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is $60,070 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

Employment for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is projected to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

About 9,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.