The increasing concern for security in many communities has fostered a demand for residential burglar alarm systems. In addition, many California cities have mandated that new housing contain fire alarm systems. Some installation companies are doing this work for entire subdivisions. If the demand continues for new housing, it will provide work for alarm installers. Opportunities will also result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation for various reasons.
Most job openings exist in the urbanized areas of California.
Employers report difficulty in getting experienced Installers-Repairers. As a result, some of them have set up their own training so that they can train new employees to follow certain set procedures that they have established. This same survey found that about 70 percent of installation technicians and service workers are paid on an hourly basis. About one half of the firms said they also paid commissions or bonuses to installers. In addition to this, they often have to be on standby for emergency repair work one or more nights each week and perhaps one weekend every four to six weeks.