Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a security and fire alarm systems installers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $72,130/year ($34.68/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $100K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $64,465 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 63.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $72K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About security and fire alarm systems installers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level security and fire alarm systems installers (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $72K.Top earners bring in $100K or more - a $53K spread from bottom to top.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $78K | +32% | 1,080 |
| Minnesota | $77K | +30% | 690 |
| Vermont | $74K | +24% | 100 |
| Rhode Island | $72K | +22% | 280 |
| New York | $66K | +12% | 4,610 |
| California | $66K | +11% | 7,390 |
| Maryland | $65K | +10% | 2,210 |
| Washington | $65K | +9% | 1,510 |
| Connecticut | $64K | +9% | 370 |
| New Jersey | $63K | +6% | 2,180 |
| Illinois | $63K | +5% | 2,190 |
| Alaska | $62K | +5% | 120 |
| Maine | $62K | +4% | 220 |
| Iowa | $62K | +4% | 530 |
| Wisconsin | $61K | +3% | 920 |
Track security and fire alarm systems installers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do security and fire alarm systems installers make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $72,130 a year - that works out to about $34.68 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,070, and experienced security and fire alarm systems installers can clear $100,090. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $72K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,688/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 64% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a security and fire alarm systems installers salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median security and fire alarm systems installers salary is worth about $64,465 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do security and fire alarm systems installers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.