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Security technician vs fire alarm inspector

The differences between security technicians and fire alarm inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a security technician and a fire alarm inspector. Additionally, a security technician has an average salary of $58,338, which is higher than the $45,136 average annual salary of a fire alarm inspector.

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

Security technician vs fire alarm inspector overview

Security TechnicianFire Alarm Inspector
Yearly salary$58,338$45,136
Hourly rate$28.05$21.70
Growth rate1%6%
Number of jobs92,80720,028
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 44%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does a security technician do?

The security technician's main job responsibility is to maintain and repair security-related concerns in a company. They identify and troubleshoot basic network related problems on hardware or software. They monitor alarm wiring and equipment and ensure work is under the safety standards. They also establish system access by issuing ID's, instructing the client on creation password and usage. They monitor access by looking-up ID status by validating owner identity. They also maintain security-related files by receiving, processing, and updating computer security forms.

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.

Security technician vs fire alarm inspector salary

Security technicians and fire alarm inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Security TechnicianFire Alarm Inspector
Average salary$58,338$45,136
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $101,000Between $31,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyMicrosoft-
Best paying industry--

Differences between security technician and fire alarm inspector education

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

Security TechnicianFire Alarm Inspector
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common college--

Security technician vs fire alarm inspector demographics

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

Security TechnicianFire Alarm Inspector
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 83.0% Female, 17.0%Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between security technician and fire alarm inspector duties and responsibilities

Security technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage CCTV accounts including installation and maintenance.
  • Climb ladders from 6'-25'.
  • Experience with Amag, Hirsch, RS2 . )
  • Experience installing equipment with the following companies: Bosch Pelco G.E.
  • Install, service, and upgrades customers with DSC, GE, and Honeywell alarm and fire equipment.
  • Perform service/installation of access control, intrusion alarm and CCTV cameras and other security-relate devices.
  • Show more

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 technician vs fire alarm inspector skills

Common security technician skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • CCTV, 6%
  • Control Systems, 6%
  • Test Equipment, 6%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
Common fire alarm inspector skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fire Protection, 9%
  • NICET, 9%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%

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