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Fire alarm inspector vs electronic security technician

The differences between fire alarm inspectors and electronic security technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a fire alarm inspector and an electronic security technician. Additionally, a fire alarm inspector has an average salary of $45,136, which is higher than the $43,446 average annual salary of an electronic security technician.

The top three skills for a fire alarm inspector include customer service, ladders and hand tools. The most important skills for an electronic security technician are troubleshoot, control systems, and CCTV.

Fire alarm inspector vs electronic security technician overview

Fire Alarm InspectorElectronic Security Technician
Yearly salary$45,136$43,446
Hourly rate$21.70$20.89
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs20,02873,688
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does a fire alarm inspector do?

Fire alarm inspectors are professionals who are responsible for inspecting the alarm systems of a residential or commercial building to ensure that the systems are working and following the local, state, and federal fire safety regulations. These inspectors are required to configure fire alarm systems and automatic sprinklers for proper operation. By using AutoCAD, fire alarm inspectors are required to help in designing and creating the layout for the new fire alarm systems. They must also provide excellent customer service by accommodating the needs of customers using negotiation strategies.

What does an electronic security technician do?

An electronic security technician installs, configures, tests, and troubleshoot activities on intercom, intrusion alarm systems, network infrastructure, access control, and CCTV. They install and verify activities on security equipment for commissioning, testing, and installations. Besides reading and interpreting blueprints, specifications, submittals, schematics, and diagrams, electronic security technicians also keep learning about different product lines and engage in on-call service. They work hand-in-hand with clients when assessing risk and determining security requirements. Also, they maintain and repair electronic computers.

Fire alarm inspector vs electronic security technician salary

Fire alarm inspectors and electronic security technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fire Alarm InspectorElectronic Security Technician
Average salary$45,136$43,446
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $64,000Between $27,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-Milwaukee, WI
Highest paying state-Maine
Best paying company-Emory University
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between fire alarm inspector and electronic security technician education

There are a few differences between a fire alarm inspector and an electronic security technician in terms of educational background:

Fire Alarm InspectorElectronic Security Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common college--

Fire alarm inspector vs electronic security technician demographics

Here are the differences between fire alarm inspectors' and electronic security technicians' demographics:

Fire Alarm InspectorElectronic Security Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 91.9% Female, 8.1%Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between fire alarm inspector and electronic security technician duties and responsibilities

Fire alarm inspector example responsibilities.

  • Walk and climb ladders need to safely test fire alarm systems such as smoke detectors, heat detectors and pull stations.
  • Complete NFPA course to obtain certification for fire alarm inspector.
  • Perform inspections on fire alarm, suppression, and range hood systems according to IBC and military specification.
  • Perform work in unusual and sometimes difficult positions; such as climbing ladders, scaffolding, and high lift equipment.
  • Install, service, and update system hardware and firmware to bring fire alarm systems up to NFPA code requirements.
  • Instruct and train individuals on firefighting techniques and life-saving protocols.
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Electronic security technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage an unparallele repair of COMSEC devices and provide expert technical assistance to all field commanders requesting logistics support.
  • Install switches, NVRs, fiber optics for IP cameras and remote access systems.
  • Possess the ability to test and troubleshoot video, phone, fire, security, and other electrical circuitry.
  • Test and repair microprocessor CCTV equipment.
  • Service electronic security equipment including alarms and CCTV.
  • Utilize experience and knowledge to effectively troubleshoot and resolve highly complicate electronic and technology relate conflicts.
  • Show more

Fire alarm inspector vs electronic security technician skills

Common fire alarm inspector skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fire Protection, 9%
  • NICET, 9%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Common electronic security technician skills
  • Troubleshoot, 15%
  • Control Systems, 14%
  • CCTV, 14%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Card Readers, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 4%

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