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.
Also called: Access Control Technician, Alarm Adjuster, Alarm Installation Tech (Alarm Installation Technician), Alarm Installer, Alarm Service Tech (Alarm Service Technician), Alarm Technician
Median pay
$60,070
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,800 – $81,150
People employed
86,340
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers salary in every state →
What security and fire alarm systems installers do
- 01Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
- 02Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
- 03Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
- 04Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
- 05Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
- 06Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Building and Construction
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from security and fire alarm systems installers
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers82% · +24%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door80% · +24%
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · +30%
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers76% · +2%
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers76% · +83%
Change into security and fire alarm systems installers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers78% · $74,330
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers76% · $61,010
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers76% · $51,320
- Photonics Technicians76% · $78,350
- Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians75% · $63,800
Majors that lead here
- Electrician
- Security System Installation, Repair, and Inspection Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.