Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 73,400 people employed as security and fire alarm systems installers in the United States. The median annual salary is $50,900. Entry level employees earn approximately $32,280 per year and senior employees earn approximately $76,690 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Keep informed of new products and developments.
• Order replacement parts.
• Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
• Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
• 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.

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