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Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers in California
Considering working as a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers in California? Here’s what the data says. Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. Excludes “Electricians” (47-2111) who do a broad range of electrical wiring.
What do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Make in California?
The security and fire alarm systems installers working in California, wages run about $66,010 per year (or roughly $31.74/hour).Annual wages span from $46,750 at the 10th percentile to $101,230 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,750 | $22.47 |
| 25th percentile | $54,600 | $26.25 |
| Median (50th) | $66,010 | $31.74 |
| 75th percentile | $79,480 | $38.21 |
| 90th percentile | $101,230 | $48.67 |
The job concentration index in California compared to the national average — is 0.77, suggesting fewer security and fire alarm systems installers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, security and fire alarm systems installers earn a median of $88,342 per year ($42.47/hour), lower than the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 126,053 security and fire alarm systems installers across the United States. In California alone, approximately 7,390 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 1,080 security and fire alarm systems installers.
Top California Metros for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
The largest metro-area employers of security and fire alarm systems installers in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 2,910 | $65,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 920 | $77,180 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 700 | $63,450 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 590 | $72,130 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 490 | $66,280 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 320 | $79,070 |
| Fresno, CA | 170 | $58,400 |
| Modesto, CA | 130 | $64,260 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 130 | $62,280 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 120 | $61,750 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 100 | $61,120 |
| Vallejo, CA | 100 | $67,740 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 70 | $61,560 |
| Redding, CA | 60 | $62,750 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 60 | $65,560 |
| Salinas, CA | 50 | $62,590 |
| Visalia, CA | 40 | $53,980 |
Top States for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Employment
View the states that employ the most security and fire alarm systems installers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 10,020 |
| Florida | 8,050 |
| California | 7,390 |
| New York | 4,610 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,980 |
| Missouri | 2,700 |
| North Carolina | 2,590 |
| Massachusetts | 2,510 |
| Georgia | 2,310 |
| Colorado | 2,300 |
| Ohio | 2,270 |
| Maryland | 2,210 |
| Illinois | 2,190 |
| New Jersey | 2,180 |
| Arizona | 2,100 |
| Virginia | 1,980 |
| Tennessee | 1,600 |
| Washington | 1,510 |
| Indiana | 1,510 |
| Louisiana | 1,400 |
Highest-Paying States for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
These states pay the most for security and fire alarm systems installers.
| 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 |
Skills
Top security and fire alarm systems installers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for security and fire alarm systems installers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, security and fire alarm systems installers typically:
- 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.
- Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
- Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.
- 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.
Work Activities
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Working with Computers
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD In-demand technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to security and fire alarm systems installers include:
- Security Management Specialists
- Penetration Testers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Lighting Technicians
Also Known As
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, Burglar Alarm Mechanic, Control Systems Technician, Electrical Fire Alarm Inspector, Electrical Fire Alarm Repairer, Electronic Fire Control Systems Mechanic, Electronics Technician, Fire Alarm Inspection Test Maintenance Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 49-2098.00
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