What Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers this way: "Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation"; "Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components"; "Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans"; "Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures"; "Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 86,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 92,100 in 2035, an increase of 5,800 jobs (+6.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 8,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,070, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $59,356 in New York to $59,915 in New Jersey, a gap of $559 (1.01 times). 0 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $60,070 and 2 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,570, which is 50.3% of the 17,050 counted across them. New York follows with 8,480.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($59,915) and New York ($59,356) lead the ranking, while New York ($59,356) and New Jersey ($59,915) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
What is the national median wage for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,070. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $59,356 to $59,915.
Which state pays Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $59,915. New York is next at $59,356.
What is the job outlook for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 8,500 openings a year.
What education do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.