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Alarm Installer Integrator, Alarm System Installer, Burglar Alarm Installer, Security System Technician
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
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:
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 23, 2023 and Apr 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Install, maintain and repair electronic equipment | 83 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies | 82 |
| Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports | 81 |
| Tasks: Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies | 78 |
| Tasks: Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults | 77 |
| Attention to detail | 57 |
| Tasks: Prepare cost estimates | 51 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 42 |
| Tasks: Supervise other electronic equipment service technicians | 41 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 40 |
In Alberta, security alarm installers receive on-job training. In general, employers prefer applicants who have:
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Some provinces require certification to work in this occupation. Some municipalities, such as the city of Calgary, require security alarm installers to be licensed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
In the 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group, 75.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $33.65 | $23.72 | $21.03 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $53.87 | $31.85 | $28.85 |
| Top | $25.00 | $74.52 | $47.69 | $45.67 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $65,450 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $63,750 |
| Retail Trade | $56,486 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $76,393 |
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.
