Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Machines can already do 19% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 53%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 19% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 3% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 53% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 86,340 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $60,070 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 82% for contact with people.
- Also called: Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech), Home Security Alarm Installer, Install Technician.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans | 20% | 3% to 30% | |
| Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components | 15% | 20% to 60% | |
| Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms | 6% | 40% to 68% | |
| Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills security and fire alarm systems installers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers49% of tasks by 2035 · US median $54,890
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers49% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,630
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists37% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,290
- Motorcycle Mechanics37% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,580
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of security and fire alarm systems installers?
Machines can do 19% of the tasks of security and fire alarm systems installers today and 53% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 49-2098.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/security-and-fire-alarm-systems-installers/