What Does it Take to Be a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?

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

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer Responsibilities

• Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
• 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.
• Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
• Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
• Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer Needed Skills

These are the skills Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Other Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer Job Titles

• Alarm Installer
• Fire Alarm Installer
• Installer
• Security Systems Technician
• Security Installation Technician

What Kind of Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer Job Opportunities Are There?

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.

Average Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary

The salary for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers ranges between about $29,560 and $71,310 a year.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers who work in Alaska, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers 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 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

How do I Become a Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer?

What education is needed to be a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?

What work experience do I need to become a Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer?

Where Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Fran Hogan via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

More about our data sources and methodologies.