Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers land at $60,070 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: security and fire alarm systems installer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers is Alaska ($79,870); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn more nationally. The median is $60,070 for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers has the better 10-year outlook at 10.4% projected growth, compared to 4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers at $79,870/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers earn $79,870 vs. $60,840 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.