If you want to work in a more technical career and are interested in making sure that others remain safe, then a career as an alarm technician may be ideal for you. These professionals install different alarms in a variety of settings so that their clients are well informed of security or health and wellness issues where they live or work. A career as an alarm technician may also be appealing because you usually don’t need a college degree to start working in the field and earning a salary you can be happy with.
Recommended
In this article, we describe what an alarm technician is and what they do, provide the average salary for the role and share a list of steps you can take to become an alarm technician.
What is an alarm technician?
An alarm technician is a professional who installs and maintains alarm systems, including those for security, fire and carbon monoxide detection. Many alarm technicians work normal business hours, although they may need to work nights and weekends depending on the needs of customers. Alarm technicians also work in residences, office buildings and other facilities, and may need to work both inside and outside in various weather conditions.
What does an alarm technician do?
An alarm technician has several responsibilities, including:
-
Installing and repairing alarm systems and ancillary equipment, such as cameras and motion sensors
-
Answering customers’ questions about the system they’re purchasing
-
Generating quotes for new services and ongoing maintenance
-
Scheduling installation with customers and clients according to their availability
-
Reviewing installation documents and sharing the features and benefits of the system to customers
-
Performing regular testing to make sure the system continues to operate as it should and follows any regulations for the equipment
-
Programming equipment based on a client’s needs
-
Routing cables outside and throughout a person’s home or company’s office complex to accurately set up the alarm
-
Training new alarm technicians
-
Adhering to all safety standards
The average salary for an alarm technician
The national average salary for alarm technicians in the United States is $72,975 per year, although your geographical location can affect your earnings. For example, alarm technicians in San Diego, California, report making an average of $92,146 per year, while those in Houston, Texas, report making an average of $67,785 per year.
Some common benefits that alarm technicians report receiving from their employers include:
-
Paid time off
-
Fuel discount
-
Health insurance
-
401(k) with employer matching
-
Dental Insurance
-
Employee assistance program
-
Employee stock purchase plan
-
Flexible spending account
-
Vision insurance
How to become an alarm technician
If you want to become an alarm technician, review these steps:
1. Earn your high school diploma
One of the first steps to becoming an alarm technician is to earn your high school diploma or equivalent, like the GED. Your high school will prepare you for a career post-graduation by providing you access to courses in English, math, social studies and other electives that relate to your chosen career field. If they’re available, consider taking courses in electrical equipment and computer science, which are related subjects that can help you feel more prepared to become an alarm technician.
2. Complete a vocational program
There are various technical and vocational school programs that prepare you for a career as an alarm technician. In these courses, you should learn more about the industry and develop the hands-on skills you need to work as an alarm technician. You’ll likely cover various topics from video surveillance to intrusion detection, as well as safety while on the job and the basic procedures you’ll need to follow to install alarms in different locations.
3. Sign up for an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to work under the supervision of a professional alarm technician while also earning an income. These programs are one of the greatest ways to gain exposure to the field and ready yourself for a specific career. Because an apprenticeship is a long-term program, you should learn enough and work closely with others in the field so you can easily transition to a full-time position with the same employer once you’ve completed your apprenticeship.
4. Develop your skills
There are certain skills you can develop to find success as an alarm technician. With a combination of the right soft and hard skills, a hiring manager is more likely to contact you for an interview after learning me about you through your application documents. Build on your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication and the necessary technical skills to operate the various equipment you’ll be responsible for. You can include these skills within your resume and on your cover letter, and you may also explain them more during your interview with a hiring manager.
5. Earn a degree
You likely don’t need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to start your career as an alarm technician, but earning a higher-level degree can help you stand out from your peers who are applying for the same position. You may also qualify for promotions and be able to grow in your career if you have a degree in a related major such as electrical engineering.
6. Become certified
There are several certifications you can earn so you can gain even more confidence in your chosen career path and appeal to a hiring manager as they’re reviewing applications. You can find a certification program that covers the specific topics you feel you’ll benefit from the most, based on the career path you want to take.
7. Check with your state
Each state differs in the requirements to work as an alarm technician. Be sure to contact your state to get specifics on the licenses, certifications and education you must have to work as an alarm technician where you live.
I hope you find this article helpful.
