Security and fire alarm systems installers
SOC Code: 49-2098
Security and fire alarm systems installers carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $59,300 and +10.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 85,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Security and fire alarm systems installers (SOC 49-2098) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 85,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +10.4% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $59,300, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Security and fire alarm systems installers. Public companies with meaningful exposure to this occupation, such as AT&T INC. and PEABODY ENERGY CORP, inherit a share of the same automation risk through their industry classification. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
- 2. Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
- 3. Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
- 4. Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
- 5. Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
- 6. Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
- 7. Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
- 8. Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
- 9. Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
- 10. Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Installation
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Security and fire alarm systems installers?
Security and fire alarm systems installers has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Security and fire alarm systems installers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Security and fire alarm systems installers is projected to grow by 10.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 85,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Security and fire alarm systems installers?
Key skills for Security and fire alarm systems installers include Speaking, Critical Thinking, Installation, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Security and fire alarm systems installers earn?
The median annual wage for Security and fire alarm systems installers is $59,300, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Security and fire alarm systems installers?
The typical entry-level education for Security and fire alarm systems installers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Security and fire alarm systems installers?
Public companies with significant Security and fire alarm systems installers workforce shares include AT&T INC., PEABODY ENERGY CORP, Shell plc, among others. These employers are mapped by industry classification (SIC/NAICS) to BLS occupation-industry employment distributions. See the full employer rankings for AI displacement risk grades.
Employers with High AI Exposure in This Occupation Group
Public companies whose industry occupation mix includes a significant share of Security and fire alarm systems installers roles.
| Company | AI Grade | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T INC. | B | 42.3% |
| PEABODY ENERGY CORP | B | 33.5% |
| Shell plc | A | 33.5% |
| T-Mobile US, Inc. | B | 42.3% |
| VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC | B | 42.3% |
| TotalEnergies SE | A | 33.5% |
| BHP Group Ltd | A | 33.5% |
| SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ | A | 33.5% |
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).