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Alarm Installer Integrator, Alarm System Installer, Burglar Alarm Installer
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:
| Starting | $22.74 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.38 |
| Top | $37.82 |
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
Interest in analyzing equipment to diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
Interest in speaking to customers regarding equipment malfunctions to complete work orders; may supervise other electronic equipment service technicians
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.
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:
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.
Security alarm installers need:
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 19 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 10, 2020 and Apr 20, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies | 17 |
|---|---|
| Install, maintain and repair electronic equipment | 17 |
| Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports | 15 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 15 |
| Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies | 14 |
| Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 12 |
| Type of Service and Repair: Alarm/security system | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 10 |
In Alberta, security alarm installers are trained on the job. In general, employers prefer applicants who have:
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.
Some provinces require certification to work in this occupation. Some municipalities, such as the city of Calgary, require security alarm installers to be licensed.
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:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 116 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
| 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 |
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* 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.
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.
| 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 |
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.