Security Alarm Installer
Security alarminstallers install and maintain electronic security alarm systems for homes, businesses and industrial properties.
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Avg. Salary $56,886.00
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Avg. Wage $27.68
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Minimum Education High school diploma
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Outlook Down
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Employed 7,600
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Alarm System Installer, Burglar Alarm Installer, Customer Service Representative
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
68%
68%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $20.66 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $27.68 |
| Top | $32.24 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
NOC & Interest Codes
The Security Alarm Installer is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)
NOC code: 2242
- 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 Dec 14, 2016
In general, security alarm installers:
- check the installation site, read the work order and check drawings to determine locations for specified equipment
- lay out wiring routes, cut openings in walls, floors and frames, mount raceways or conduits, pull wires through and splice them (for wired systems)
- install motion sensors and other types of intruder and alarm devices
- program security systems by using computers and special software (on site or by telephone)
- test systems using equipment, such as multimeters
- 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 and installation and repair records.
Working Conditions
Updated Dec 14, 2016
Security alarm installers work in environments that vary from clean, comfortable homes and businesses to cold, dusty buildings under construction. Some travel from job site to job site is required.
A standard 40 hour work week is the norm, although occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. For customer convenience, security alarm installers may work some evenings and weekends.
Safety precautions are required to avoid injuries when working with power tools and electricity, and hard hats and steel toed boots are required on construction sites. The work involves handling items that weigh up to 10 kilograms.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Dec 14, 2016
Security alarm installers need the following characteristics:
- good motor co-ordination and manual dexterity
- normal colour vision
- mechanical aptitude and good spatial perception
- good communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with customers and other workers
- the ability to present a positive and professional image of the company.
They should enjoy using tools and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, troubleshooting problems and working with little direction or supervision.
Educational Requirements
Updated Dec 14, 2016
In Alberta, security alarm installers are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have a high school diploma, a background in electronics or building construction, and a valid driver's licence. Some computer knowledge is an asset. A security clearance check generally is required.
High schools, colleges, private vocational schools and technical institutes throughout the province offer courses in electronics. When there is sufficient demand and funding available, the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) offers Alarm Technician Levels I and II courses through self study and in locations across Canada. Applicants must be bondable (acceptable to bonding companies as responsible, law-abiding people), and have a high school diploma with English, math and physics courses (or equivalent qualifications).
Security alarm installers must be willing to study on an ongoing basis to keep up to date 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 Dec 14, 2016
In some provinces, certification is required to work in this occupation. Some municipalities (for example, the city of Calgary) require security alarm installers to be licensed.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Dec 14, 2016
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Security alarm installers are employed by security alarm companies which range in size from local operations to national chains. A growing number of installers work on a contract basis.
Experienced security alarm installers may advance to lead installer and supervisor positions, move into other jobs in the company (for example, 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 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.
Over 7,600 Albertans are employed in the Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 114 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As security alarminstallers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for security alarminstallers.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Dec 14, 2016
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 | $15.00 | $26.44 | $20.66 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $20.72 | $35.00 | $27.68 | $26.90 |
| Top | $24.00 | $46.00 | $32.24 | $31.00 |
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.
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
| Public Administration | $79,816.00 |
|---|---|
| Business, Building and Other Support Services (aka Management, Administrative, and other Services) | $57,656.00 |
| ALBERTA, ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,886.00 |
| Wholesale Trade | $53,575.00 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $49,493.00 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
68%
68%
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
36%
36%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
9%
9%
2015 Vacancy Rate
3%
Related High School Subjects
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Science
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Business, Administration, Finance and IT
- Networking
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Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
- Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
- Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Dec 14, 2016
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Canadian Security Association website: www.canasa.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. 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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