Security Alarm Installer
Security alarm installers install and maintain electronic security alarm systems for homes, businesses, and industrial properties.
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Avg. Salary $62,002.00
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Avg. Wage $30.38
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Minimum Education High school diploma
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Outlook below avg
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Employed 7,500
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Alarm Installer Integrator, Alarm System Installer, Burglar Alarm Installer
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: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) (2242)
- 2006 NOC-S: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) (C142)
- 2011 NOC: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) (2242)
- 2016 NOC: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) (2242)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
54%
54%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $22.74 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.38 |
| Top | $37.82 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Interest Codes
The Security Alarm Installer is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working to adjust, align, replace and repair equipment, assemblies and components following manuals and schematics; and to inspect and test equipment, components and assemblies using multimeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other test instruments, tools and equipment
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing equipment to diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
- METHODICAL
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Interest in speaking to customers regarding equipment malfunctions to complete work orders; may supervise other electronic equipment service technicians
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Security alarm systems may include motion sensors and other types of intruder and alarm devices. They 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
- 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 contracts
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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, some overtime may be required during busy periods. For customer convenience, security alarm installers may work some evenings and weekends.
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Security alarm installers need:
- Motor co-ordination 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, because most often they work 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.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
In Alberta, security alarm installers are trained on the job. 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 networks and servers is important for commercial positions. 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, math, and physics courses (or equivalent qualifications).
Alarm installers must study on an ongoing basis to keep up with new developments in electronics.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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 31, 2019
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.
Security alarm installers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment). In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Retail Trade (pdf)
- Other Services (pdf)
- Wholesale Trade (pdf)
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (pdf)
- Business, Building and Other Support Services (pdf)
- Construction (pdf)
- Educational Services (pdf)
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- Size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the C142: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 114 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $38.00 | $22.74 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $19.73 | $38.46 | $30.38 | $31.56 |
| Top | $24.00 | $48.08 | $37.82 | $40.50 |
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.
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.
Industry Information
| Manufacturing | $81,884 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $75,513 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $62,417 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,002 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $60,622 |
| Wholesale Trade | $59,928 |
| Retail Trade | $58,053 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $48,140 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
54%
54%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
40%
40%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
9%
9%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Dec 14, 2016
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Canadian Security Association website: www.canasa.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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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