Security Alarm Installer

Security alarm installers install, program, maintain or repair security alarm wiring and equipment, and ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. This report looks at what is required to run one’s own security alarm installation business only.

Thirty-seven states license security alarm installers. On average, these laws require $487 in fees, more than two years (836 days) of education and experience, and about two exams—the 12th most burdensome requirements of the 102 occupations studied. The occupation ranks as the 23rd most widely and onerously licensed.

License requirements vary greatly across states. While Connecticut and Tennessee require six years (2,190 days) of education and experience, six states require none. Similarly, Louisiana, Washington and West Virginia require four exams, but seven states require none. Fees range from $133 in Maryland to $1,481 in Louisiana.

Burden Rank	State	States Licensed	Fees	Estimated Calendar Days Lost	Education	Experience	Exams	Minimum Grade	Minimum Age
1	Tennessee	37	$963.00	2,190	2 years	4 years	1	0	18
2	Connecticut	37	$435.00	2,190	-	6 years	3	0	18
3	Louisiana	37	$1,481.00	1,829	22 clock hours	5 years	4	0	0
4	New Jersey	37	$167.50	1,460	-	4 years	1	12	18
5	Washington	37	$676.00	1,471	48 clock hours	4 years	4	0	16
6	California	37	$579.00	1,460	-	4 years	3	0	18
7	Hawaii	37	$615.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
8	Oklahoma	37	$518.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
9	Idaho	37	$335.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	16
10	Oregon	37	$425.00	1,095	-	3 years	1	12	18
11	Florida	37	$683.75	1,095	-	3 years	2	0	18
12	Utah	37	$599.00	1,099	22 clock hours	3 years	3	0	0
13	Illinois	37	$328.00	1,095	-	3 years	1	0	21
14	North Carolina	37	$175.00	1,095	-	3 years	0	0	18
15	Rhode Island	37	$505.00	1,095	-	3 years	1	0	0
16	Virginia	37	$650.00	1,096	8 clock hours	3 years	0	0	0
17	Minnesota	37	$261.00	1,095	-	3 years	1	0	0
18	Maine	37	$221.00	996	270 clock hours	4000 clock hours	1	0	0
19	Arkansas	37	$1,117.75	730	-	2 years	2	0	18
20	West Virginia	37	$259.00	730	-	2 years	4	0	18
21	New Mexico	37	$462.00	730	-	2 years	3	0	18
22	Massachusetts	37	$276.00	800	300 clock hours	2 years	2	0	0
23	Iowa	37	$893.00	730	-	2 years	2	0	0
24	Montana	37	$472.25	730	-	2 years	1	0	18
25	Texas	37	$461.50	730	-	2 years	1	0	18
26	Wyoming	37	$240.00	548	-	1.5 years	1	0	0
27	Georgia	37	$237.00	365	-	1 years	1	0	0
28	Michigan	37	$625.25	0	-	-	1	12	21
29	Mississippi	37	$1,090.00	72	28 clock hours	3 jobs, contractors	2	0	0
30	South Carolina	37	$345.00	4	22 clock hours	-	2	0	18
31	New York	37	$287.25	19	81 clock hours	-	1	0	18
32	Alabama	37	$490.00	4	22 clock hours	-	2	0	0
33	Delaware	37	$260.00	0	-	-	0	0	18
34	Arizona	37	$192.00	0	-	-	0	0	18
35	Maryland	37	$132.75	0	-	-	0	0	18
36	Alaska	37	$300.00	0	-	-	0	0	0
37	D C	37	$266.00	0	-	-	0	0	0