Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Career, Salary and Skills
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $60,070 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 86,340. Wage data is published for 256 locations.
Occupation description
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
O*NET code
49-2098.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
National salary and employment
Median annual
$60,070
Hourly median
$28.88
Employment
86,340
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
$38,800
10th
$47,820
25th
$60,070
Median
$73,690
75th
$81,150
90th
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | 3.38 | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Speaking | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Active Listening | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.12 | 2.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.00 | 3.25 |
Typical tasks
- Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
- Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
- Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
- 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.
Technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Exacq Technologies software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Hyperterminal
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Traceroute
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in TXMedian $52,270 · Employment 10,260
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in FLMedian $60,070 · Employment 8,320
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in CAMedian $71,570 · Employment 8,180
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in New York, NYMedian $59,280 · Employment 6,850
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in NYMedian $58,550 · Employment 6,620
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $57,930 · Employment 3,550
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $71,570 · Employment 2,960
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in NCMedian $54,120 · Employment 2,880
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in NJMedian $63,140 · Employment 2,740
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in PAMedian $59,500 · Employment 2,650
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in TNMedian $51,460 · Employment 2,520
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in Houston, TXMedian $56,920 · Employment 2,500
Related careers
- Electromechanical Equipment AssemblersNational median not published
- Fire-Prevention and Protection EngineersNational median $115,160
- Electronics Engineers, Except ComputerNational median $130,220
- Telecommunications Line Installers and RepairersNational median $74,330
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and RepairersNational median $52,600
- Penetration TestersNational median $116,580
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, GeneralNational median $49,590
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical DoorNational median $74,340
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.