Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
SOC: 49-2098 O*NET: 49-2098.00
Median Salary
$59,300
per year
Job Growth
🚀 10.4%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
What does a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,410
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,330
25th percentile
Median
$59,300
50th percentile
Experienced
$71,340
75th percentile
Top Earners
$81,980
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,410
25th
$47,330
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$59,300
Mean: $60,040
75th
$71,340
90th
$81,980
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $43,570 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,330 and $71,340
- •Salary spread is 40.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 81,510 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:85,900
Top Industries
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services66.9%
Administrative and Support Services66.9%
Investigation and Security Services65.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+10.4%
Annual Openings:9,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)85,900
Current
2034 (Projected)94,900
+10.4%
+8,900
Employment Change
+10.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
10,020 jobs$49,3801.37x
Florida
8,050 jobs$59,5701.55x
California
7,390 jobs$66,0100.77x
New York
4,610 jobs$66,2800.91x
Pennsylvania
2,980 jobs$59,2400.94x
Missouri
2,700 jobs$57,1701.75x
North Carolina
2,590 jobs$57,4401.00x
Massachusetts
2,510 jobs$01.30x
Georgia
2,310 jobs$50,0500.90x
Colorado
2,300 jobs$61,7501.50x
Ohio
2,270 jobs$61,0300.78x
Maryland
2,210 jobs$65,3101.52x
Illinois
2,190 jobs$62,5500.68x
New Jersey
2,180 jobs$62,9000.97x
Arizona
2,100 jobs$53,4901.24x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Installation
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Operations Monitoring
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Reading Comprehension
54%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
46%
#10
Troubleshooting
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Installation
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Reading Comprehension
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Installation
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers82%
5 shared skills
Solar Photovoltaic Installers82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers67%
5 shared skills
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Installation
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Installation
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Planning & Development (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform84%
10
Keep informed of new products and developments.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.70
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.70
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.56
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.48
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.24
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.22
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.6
Independence
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Persistence
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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