Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn a median salary of $59,300 per year, ranking in the top 50% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +10.4% job growth through 2034, projected to grow faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do security and fire alarm systems installers earn?

The median annual wage for security and fire alarm systems installers is $59,300. That puts security and fire alarm systems installers at #404 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is security and fire alarm systems installers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for security and fire alarm systems installers is +10.4%, projected to grow faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 85K positions in 2024 to 94K in 2034, a net change of 9K. Faster-than-average growth means hiring is consistently outpacing the labor market overall. New entrants generally find their first roles faster than peers in stable fields.

What do security and fire alarm systems installers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working security and fire alarm systems installers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
2. 2.Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
3. 3.Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
4. 4.Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
5. 5.Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
6. 6.Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
7. 7.Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
8. 8.Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.

Top skills for security and fire alarm systems installers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become security and fire alarm systems installer?

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about security and fire alarm systems installers