Security alarm technician
Also known as: fire alarm technician, burglar alarm installer, intruder alarm installer, security systems technician, security alarm fitter, intruder alarm technician
About this occupation
Security alarm technicians install and maintain security alarm systems to protect against hazards such as fire and burglary. They install sensors and control systems and connect them to power and telecommunication lines if required. Security alarm technicians explain usage of the installed systems to the prospective users.
Essential skills and knowledge
- resolve equipment malfunctions
- use measurement instruments
- test electronic units
- types of alarm systems
- test sensors
- electrical wiring plans
- security panels
- check compatibility of materials
- electricity
- replace defect components
- electronics
- wire security sensors
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers (O*NET 49-2098.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Speaking, Critical Thinking, Installation, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$60,070 a year (2025), 86,340 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.7)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Lighting Technicians
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Electricians
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
- Security Management Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.