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Security Alarm Installer

Security alarm installers install and maintain electronic security alarm and surveillance systems for homes, businesses, and industrial properties.

Also Known As

Alarm Installer Integrator, Alarm System Installer, Burglar Alarm Installer, Security System Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

2006 NOC-S

  • C142: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

2011 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2016 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2021 NOC

  • 22311: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2023 OaSIS

  • 22311.00: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
Duties
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Security alarm systems may include motion sensors, video surveillance and other types of intruder and alarm devices. These may be wired or wireless. In general, security alarm installers lay out wiring routes, cut openings in walls, floors, and frames, mount raceways or conduits, and pull wires through and splice them. They also:

  • Check the installation site, read the work order, and check drawings to determine locations for specified equipment
  • Program security systems onsite, or program them remotely across cell networks or the internet, using computers and special software
  • Integrate security systems into other existing home “smart” automation networked systems
  • Use equipment, such as multimeters, to test systems
  • Demonstrate systems for customers and explain the cause and seriousness of false alarms
  • Troubleshoot malfunctions and make the necessary adjustments or repairs
  • Prepare documents such as invoices, warranties, installation, and repair records, and ensure that clients sign contracts
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Security alarm installers work in both indoor and outdoor settings. These may vary from clean, comfortable homes and businesses to cold, dusty buildings under construction. Travel between job sites is required.

A standard 40-hour workweek is the norm. However, they may need to work some overtime during busy periods. For customer convenience, security alarm installers may work some evenings and weekends.

Due to the 24-hour nature of the business, security alarm installers may be required to be on call for after-hours emergency service.

Installers must observe safety precautions to avoid injuries when working with power tools and electricity. They must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on construction sites. On some sites, they can expect to work on ladders, scaffolding, and man lifts. The work involves handling heavier items.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2023 OaSIS: 22311.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Security alarm installers need:

  • Motor coordination and manual dexterity
  • Normal colour vision
  • Mechanical aptitude and spatial perception
  • Communication (reading and writing) and interpersonal skills for dealing with customers and other workers
  • A positive and professional image
  • The ability to self-motivate and self-direct, due to often working alone

They should enjoy using tools and equipment to perform precision tasks. They should like troubleshooting problems. They should enjoy working with little direction or supervision.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2016 NOC: 2242

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 30, 2024 and Nov 24, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies
Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports
Tasks: Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies
Tasks: Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
Attention to detail
Organized
Tasks: Prepare cost estimates
Team player
Tasks: Inspect products to determine the requirements for repair
Client focus
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

In Alberta, security alarm installers receive on-job training. In general, employers prefer applicants who have:

  • A high school diploma
  • A background in electronics or building construction
  • A valid driver’s licence

Computer aptitude is an asset. A working knowledge of computer and Wi-Fi networks is important, but training can be provided. A security clearance check may be required.

High schools, colleges, private vocational schools, and technical institutes throughout Alberta offer electronics courses. When there is sufficient demand and funding, the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) offers Alarm Technician Level I and II courses. These self-study programs are offered in locations across Canada. Applicants must be bondable (acceptable to bonding companies as responsible, law-abiding people). They must have a high school diploma with English and math courses (or equivalent qualifications).

Alarm installers must study on an ongoing basis to keep up with new developments in electronics.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Certification Not regulated

Some provinces require certification to work in this occupation. Some municipalities, such as the city of Calgary, require security alarm installers to be licensed.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Security alarm installers work for alarm companies ranging in size from local operations to national chains. A growing number of installers work on a contract basis.

Experienced installers may advance to lead installer and supervisor positions. They may move into other areas, such as sales or customer service, or set up their own businesses.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2016 NOC: 2242

75.7% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2021 NOC: 22311
Balanced
Job Market
6,200
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2016 NOC: 2242
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
170
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 24, 2023

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2021 NOC: 22311
Average Wage
$33.08
Per Hour
Average Salary
$68,158.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22311 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $40.68 $26.51 $24.00
Overall $24.55 $49.04 $33.08 $32.45
Top $28.00 $57.69 $41.24 $41.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Business, Building and Other Support Services

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
53%
53%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
64%
64%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 24, 2023

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Canadian Security Association website: www.canasa.org/CANASA

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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