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The differences between alarm technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an alarm technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an alarm technician has an average salary of $42,630, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an alarm technician include fire protection, work ethic and NFPA. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Alarm Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $42,630 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $20.50 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 94,813 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
An alarm technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots security alarms that are used in a company or establishment. Security alarms serve to deter to thievery and break-ins. An alarm technician is responsible for ensuring that installed security alarms will always work as expected. This position requires experience as an electrician, knowledge of the common types of alarm systems, and a keen grasp of security practices.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Alarm technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Alarm Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $42,630 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $57,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fort Wayne, IN | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Indiana | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | EMCOR Group | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an alarm technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Alarm Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between alarm technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Alarm Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |