Career Overview
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Also Known As
- Alarm Technician
- Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech)
- Installation Technician
- Service Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Access Control Technician
- Alarm Adjuster
- Alarm Installation Tech (Alarm Installation Technician)
- Alarm Installer
- Alarm Service Tech (Alarm Service Technician)
- Alarm Technician
- Burglar Alarm Inspector
- Burglar Alarm Installer
- Burglar Alarm Mechanic
- Control Systems Technician
- Electrical Fire Alarm Inspector
- Electrical Fire Alarm Repairer
- Electronic Fire Control Systems Mechanic
- Electronics Technician
- Fire Alarm Inspection Test Maintenance Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Inductive Reasoning
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Battery analyzers
- Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC cable strippers
- Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC crimpers
- Bubble levels
- Butane soldering irons
- Channel lock pliers
- Claw hammers
- Color bar generators
- Cordless drills
- Crimping lugs
- Decibel meters
- Digital multimeters
- Digital ohmmeters
- Digital oscilloscopes
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $38,410 |
| Median | $59,300 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $81,980 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 81,510
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Lighting Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $60,560
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $47,940
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $82,730
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,630
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.