Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Also called: Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech), Home Security Alarm Installer, Install Technician
US median pay
$60,070
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
8,500
86,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Installation3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Repairing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Telecommunications3.6/5
- Building and Construction3.3/5
- Engineering and Technology3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate49%
- High school diploma41%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.