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Fire alarm inspector vs security systems installer

The differences between fire alarm inspectors and security systems installers 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 a security systems installer. Additionally, a fire alarm inspector has an average salary of $45,136, which is higher than the $40,248 average annual salary of a security systems installer.

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

Fire alarm inspector vs security systems installer overview

Fire Alarm InspectorSecurity Systems Installer
Yearly salary$45,136$40,248
Hourly rate$21.70$19.35
Growth rate6%8%
Number of jobs20,028117,866
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 32%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

Fire alarm inspector vs security systems installer salary

Fire alarm inspectors and security systems installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fire Alarm InspectorSecurity Systems Installer
Average salary$45,136$40,248
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $64,000Between $30,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between fire alarm inspector and security systems installer education

There are a few differences between a fire alarm inspector and a security systems installer in terms of educational background:

Fire Alarm InspectorSecurity Systems Installer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 32%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common college--

Fire alarm inspector vs security systems installer demographics

Here are the differences between fire alarm inspectors' and security systems installers' demographics:

Fire Alarm InspectorSecurity Systems Installer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 91.9% Female, 8.1%Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 4.3% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between fire alarm inspector and security systems installer 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.
  • Show more

Security systems installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage CCTV accounts including installation and maintenance.
  • General construction including electrical repairs and installation, plumbing repair and installation, drywall and basic carpentry.
  • Deliver and install washer/dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers

Fire alarm inspector vs security systems installer skills

Common fire alarm inspector skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fire Protection, 9%
  • NICET, 9%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Common security systems installer skills
  • Troubleshoot, 13%
  • Control Systems, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
  • Security Cameras, 5%

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