Career Explorer Installation and repair
Human edge, growing
Security and fire alarm systems installers
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 85% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by +6.8% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on ethical judgement and physical dexterity.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $60,070
- Job growth to 2035
- +6.8%
- Openings a year
- 8,500
- People doing it (2025)
- 86,300
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Connect components or supply lines to equipment or tools
- Explain technical details of products or services
- Test performance of equipment or systems
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Install commercial or production equipment
- Repair electrical or electronic equipment
- Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment
What the work looks like
- Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
- Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
- Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
- Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
- Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
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Also known as: Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech), Installation Technician, Service Technician, Home Security Alarm Installer, Install Technician, Installer, Security Installation Technician.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.