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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
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Median pay

$59,300
Median annual pay for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

10.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

9,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

85,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+8,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Computers and Electronics
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Telecommunications
  5. 5Building and Construction
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Arm-Hand Steadiness
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  2. 2Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2Frequency of Decision Making
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  5. 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyExacq Technologies softwareMicrosoft HyperterminalTraceroute

The short answer

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

The measurable national baseline is $59,300 median annual pay, 10.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 9,400 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is $59,300. Current employment is 85,900, with projected 2034 employment of 94,900. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects 10.4% employment growth for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers from 2024 to 2034 and about 9,400 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Moderate-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

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

A representative O*NET task is: Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans. The broader activity profile emphasizes Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment, Communicating with People Outside the Organization, Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Critical Thinking, Speaking, Active Listening. Leading knowledge areas are Public Safety and Security, Computers and Electronics, Customer and Personal Service. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Outlook.

Common questions

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

The national median annual pay in the current dataset is $59,300. Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours.

Is demand growing for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

BLS projects 10.4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 9,400 openings per year. Openings include both newly created positions and replacement demand.

What education is needed for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related experience, on-the-job training, licensing, or certification requirements may also apply.

What does Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers involve?

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

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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