Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. Excludes “Electricians” (47-2111) who do a broad range of electrical wiring.
National median · BLS
$60,070
▲ +1.3%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$60,960
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
86,340
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$38,800
25th
$47,820
Median (50th)
$60,070
75th
$73,690
90th — top pay
$81,150
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
BLS projects employment of security and fire alarm systems installers to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations.
About 8,500 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
86,300 → 92,100
+5,900 jobs
Projected change
+6.8%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
8,500
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
0.9% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
About the job
What security and fire alarm systems installers do
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.
Access Control TechnicianAlarm AdjusterAlarm Installation Tech (Alarm Installation Technician)Alarm InstallerAlarm Service Tech (Alarm Service Technician)Burglar Alarm InspectorBurglar Alarm InstallerBurglar Alarm MechanicControl Systems TechnicianElectrical Fire Alarm InspectorElectrical Fire Alarm RepairerElectronic Fire Control Systems MechanicElectronics TechnicianFire Alarm Inspection Test Maintenance TechnicianFire Alarm InstallerFire Alarm MechanicFire Alarm Service Tech (Fire Alarm Service Technician)Fire Alarm Systems Tech (Fire Alarm Systems Technician)Fire Sprinkler Technician (Fire Sprinkler Tech)Fire Suppression Technician (Fire Suppression Tech)Home Fire Alarm InstallerHome Security Installation TechnicianProtective Signal InstallerProtective Signal RepairerSecurity Alarm InstallerSecurity EngineerSecurity Service Tech (Security Service Technician)Security System InstallerSecurity Systems InstallerSecurity Systems TechnicianSpecial Hazards Fire Suppression System TechnicianSurveillance OperatorSurveillance TechnicianTechnical Security Specialist
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $60,070.
