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Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 515 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 31% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Keep informed of new products and developments.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Order replacement parts.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

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    Pays about 38% more—$83,357 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
    • Communications and Media
  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

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    Pays about 16% more—$69,622 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Visual Color Discrimination
    • Equipment Selection
  • Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

    Very similar work
    +3% pay21 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 3% more—$61,920 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision
    • Mechanical
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Mathematics
  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

    Similar work
    slightly less pay15,319 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$59,426 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Building and Construction
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Mechanical

    New skills to build

    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

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    +73% pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 73% more—$104,013 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Chemistry
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Physics
    • Design
  • Electricians

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    Pays about 34% more—$80,881 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Oral Comprehension
    • Building and Construction
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Expression
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Psychology
    • Administration and Management
    • Design
    • Troubleshooting
    • Persuasion
  • Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    +72% pay772 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 72% more—$103,817 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Expression

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    +7% pay82 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 7% more—$64,142 vs your $60,201 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Near Vision
    • Mechanical
    • Telecommunications

    Your current skills largely cover this move.