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What is a security systems installer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a security systems installer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.35 an hour? That's $40,248 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 8% and produce 14,400 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSecurity Systems InstallerUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $40,248

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.8

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.39%

Asian 4.26%

Black or African American 9.13%

Hispanic or Latino 19.45%

Unknown 5.18%

White 61.60%

Gender

female 2.11%

male 97.89%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Security systems installer career paths

Key steps to become a security systems installer

  1. Explore security systems installer education requirements

    Most common security systems installer degrees

    Associate

    31.6 %

    Bachelor's

    27.0 %

    High School Diploma

    21.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific security systems installer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Troubleshoot13.23%
    Control Systems8.33%
    Ladders7.21%
    Hand Tools6.28%
    Test Equipment5.22%
  3. Complete relevant security systems installer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security systems installers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security systems installer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security systems installer resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed security systems installer usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed security systems installer in most of states. 19 states require security systems installers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    Alabama--Certified Burglar Alarm Qualifying Agent
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredAlarm Systems Technician
    CaliforniaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredAlarm Company Agent
    FloridaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredRegistered Alarm System Contractor I
    Georgia-State exam requiredLow Voltage-Alarm
  5. Research security systems installer duties and 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
  6. Apply for security systems installer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a security systems installer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first security systems installer job

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Average security systems installer salary

The average security systems installer salary in the United States is $40,248 per year or $19 per hour. Security systems installer salaries range between $30,000 and $53,000 per year.

Average security systems installer salary
$40,248 Yearly
$19.35 hourly

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Security systems installer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Installation on a new Project

Cons

Starting a new project without enough resources


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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