The median pay for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is $60,070 a year ($28.88/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 6.8% through 2035, with about 8,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 49-2098
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $60,070a year, or $28.88/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $39KTop 10% $81K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +6.8%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+6.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +6.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 8,50086,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202586.3K
- Projected 203592.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 86.3K Projected 2035 92.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school41.4%
- Certificate48.6%
- Some college8.4%
- Associate's1.6%
Highest education held by security and fire alarm systems installers Segment Value High school 41.4% Certificate 48.6% Some college 8.4% Associate's 1.6%
Also advertised as: Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech), Home Security Alarm Installer, Install Technician, Installation Technician, Installer.
Pay
How much do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers make?
Every security and fire alarm systems installer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$60,070
Middle half earn $47,820 to $73,690
- 10th
- $38,800
- 25th
- $47,820
- 75th
- $73,690
- 90th
- $81,150
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $38,800 |
| 25th | $47,820 |
| Median | $60,070 |
| 75th | $73,690 |
| 90th | $81,150 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $60,070
- Median hourly wage
- $28.88/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $60,960
- People employed
- 86,340
Versus all US occupations
At $60,070, Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn 18% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $9,090 a year.
Versus installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
The median is typical for the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair group, where the middle occupation pays $61,150.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $81,150 or more while the bottom 10% earn $38,800, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 32% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Alaska pays the most at $79,870, and still leads at $78,029 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Alaska | $79,870 | $78,029 | 110 |
| 2Massachusetts | $78,530 | $74,255 | 1,690 |
| 3Rhode Island | $76,320 | $74,619 | 240 |
| 4Oregon | $75,710 | $73,248 | 950 |
| 5Connecticut | $75,410 | $72,783 | 540 |
| 6Washington | $72,950 | $68,169 | 1,670 |
| 7California | $71,570 | $64,641 | 8,180 |
| 8Maryland | $65,330 | $62,243 | 2,230 |
| 9Maine | $64,080 | $66,028 | 240 |
| 10Iowa | $63,750 | $72,640 | 480 |
Job outlook
Is Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +6.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | +6.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers to change 6.8% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 5,900 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 8,500 openings are projected each year, 9.8% of the 86,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Getting in
How to become a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as security and fire alarm systems installers.
- Post-Secondary Certificate48.6%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)41.4%
- Some College Courses8.4%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 48.6% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 41.4% |
| Some College Courses | 8.4% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 1.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer do?
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Day-to-day tasks
- Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
- 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.
- 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.
- Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
- Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
- Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Speaking3.4
- Critical Thinking3.4
- Active Listening3.3
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Monitoring3.0
- Writing2.9
- Active Learning2.9
- Learning Strategies2.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 3.4 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Writing | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Installation3.4
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Troubleshooting3.0
- Repairing3.0
- Time Management3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Installation | 3.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| Repairing | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Network monitoring software
- Platform interconnectivity software
- Video creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.7
- Conventional4.9
- Investigative3.4
- Enterprising1.6
- Social1.4
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Electronic Equipment Installer and Repairer, Motor Vehicles
$48,420median a year
Most earn $36K to $70K
−14.5%High school - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Electrical and Electronics Installer and Repairer, Transportation Equipment
$84,890median a year
Most earn $51K to $117K
+5.4%Certificate - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer, Except Line Installers
$63,890median a year
Most earn $44K to $97K
−3.3%Certificate - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
$74,090median a year
Most earn $47K to $106K
+0.3%Certificate - Construction and Extraction
More installation, maintenance, and repair careers
Median annual pay, with security and fire alarm systems installers highlighted
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870
- Millwright$65,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic$64,520
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist$61,770
- Medical Equipment Repairer$61,660
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer$61,010
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$60,070
- Automotive Body and Related Repairer$54,890
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic$50,620
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79,870 |
| Millwright | $65,700 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $64,520 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist | $61,770 |
| Medical Equipment Repairer | $61,660 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer | $61,010 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer | $60,070 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairer | $54,890 |
| Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic | $50,620 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer appears on
Questions
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer: frequently asked questions
How much do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers make?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn a median of $60,070 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 18% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $28.88/hr. The middle half earn between $47,820 and $73,690. The top 10% earn $81,150 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 48.6% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6.8% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 8,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer do?
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. A core O*NET task: test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers the most?
The highest state medians for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers are Alaska ($79,870), Massachusetts ($78,530), Rhode Island ($76,320) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer?
O*NET scores Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.