Skip to content

On-site

Security systems installer

Security systems installers fit and service electronic systems that detect intruders or manage access to buildings.

Annual Salary

£19,000 to £35,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

41 to 43 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on a rota

4.1%
Future employment

There will be 4.1% fewer Security systems installer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a security systems installer you could:

  • discuss security plans with customers
  • install security systems and equipment
  • test systems, find faults and fix them
  • show customers how to use their equipment
  • offer support for existing systems

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses
College

To become a security systems installer, you could take a college course like:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship

You could complete a Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also do a Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship teaches you how to install and set up 'smart' security systems in homes.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct application

You can apply directly to employers if you've got experience in electrical or electronics work.

Employers might expect you to have GCSEs or similar qualifications in English, maths, science and a technical subject.

Other routes

You could study to become a security systems installer with a private training organisation.

The National Security Inspectorate and British Security Industry Association list private training providers.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the security industry from the British Security Industry Association.

Showing jobs in:
View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could:manage a team of installers and sales assistants; specialise in an area, such as designing new security systems; set up your own security systems company

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
My top 5 skills
Please sign in to compare your skills to this job. Sign in

To save or view your choices and results you must sign in or register (takes 1 minute).

Sign in Register