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Alarm Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dependable Alarm

Be Seen First

Alarm Service Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr (+ commission)

Company Description Dependable Alarm Systems is a family-owned and operated security company serving Southern California since 1977. We are a third-generation company providing professional burglar ...

Bay Alarm Company

Alarm Dispatch Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Join our team as an Alarm Dispatcher at a company recognized as a "Best Place to Work in the Bay Area"! In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting people and property by responding to ...

Bay Alarm Company

Alarm Dispatch Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Join our team as an Alarm Dispatcher at a company recognized as a "Best Place to Work in the Bay Area"! In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting people and property by responding to ...

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All JobsAlarm Operator JobsAlarm Operator Jobs in California

Alarm Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$30

How much do alarm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for alarm operator in California is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.00 and $18.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Alarm Operator vs Security Guard?

AspectAlarm OperatorSecurity Guard
CredentialsBasic security or alarm system training, sometimes certificationsSecurity guard license, training in patrol and surveillance
Work EnvironmentMonitoring alarm systems, often indoors, shift workPatrolling premises, outdoor and indoor, varied shifts
Employer & IndustrySecurity companies, alarm monitoring centersPrivate security firms, retail, industrial sites
Common Search/ComparisonAlarm Operator vs Security Guard

While both roles focus on safety, Alarm Operators primarily monitor alarm systems and respond to alerts, often working indoors. Security Guards perform patrols and physical security tasks, with a broader scope of on-site presence. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

What does an alarm operator do?

An alarm operator monitors security or alarm systems to detect and respond to emergencies or security breaches. They observe alarms, assess situations, and notify appropriate authorities or personnel, often working with surveillance equipment and following specific protocols. The role requires attention to detail, quick decision-making, and sometimes certification in security procedures.

What cities in California are hiring for Alarm Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Alarm Operator job openings:

Alarm Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Alarm Operator job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,075 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Security Officer Full Time Unarmed Patrol Alarm Operator

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Allied Universal
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Allied Universalexternal

$24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Allied Universal rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 2,615 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Allied Universal®, North America's leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that contributes to a culture that positively impacts the communities and customers we serve.
Job Description
As a Security Officer Full Time Unarmed Patrol Alarm Operator in San Francisco, CA, you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Commercial Real Estate, and more. As an Unarmed Patrol Officer at a commercial real estate location, you will conduct routine patrols, maintain a visible presence to help deter security-related incidents, and support a welcoming environment for tenants and visitors. You will communicate professionally, respond to security-related concerns, and contribute to Allied Universal's agile, reliable, innovative, and people-first culture through teamwork and integrity.
Position Type: Full Time
Pay Rate: $24.50 / Hour
Job Schedule:
DayTimeMon02:30 PM - 11:00 PMThur10:30 PM - 07:00 AMFri10:30 PM - 07:00 AMSun02:30 PM - 11:00 PM
What You'll Do:
  • Provide customer service to tenants, visitors, and/or vendors by carrying out security-related procedures, site-specific policies, and when appropriate, emergency response activities at a commercial real estate location.
  • Respond to incidents, tenant concerns, access-related issues, and critical situations in a calm, problem-solving manner, following established reporting procedures.
  • Conduct regular and random unarmed patrols of building interiors, common areas, parking facilities, entry points, and perimeter areas to help deter unauthorized activity.
  • Monitor access points and observe activity throughout the property, reporting unusual conditions, maintenance concerns, and/or security-related incidents to appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain accurate activity logs and incident reports while providing a professional, visible presence for occupants and visitors.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Have at least one year of security-related experience.
  • Be comfortable using a computer or tablet, preferred.
  • Have alarm panel experience, preferred.
  • Have customer service experience, preferred.
  • Be able to lift more than 20 pounds, preferred.
  • Be at least 18 years of age for unarmed roles; 21+ years of age for armed roles.
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.
  • Allied Universal will consider qualified applications with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws.
  • As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a drug screen to the extent permitted by law.
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment.
  • A valid driver's license will be required for driving positions only.

Why Join Us:
  • Smart Tools: Access to our exclusive technology to view and claim additional shifts to earn more.
  • Career Growth: Get paid training and access to career growth opportunities.
  • Financial and Health Benefits: Enjoy access to a retirement savings plan, plus medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, and disability insurance.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy discounts on top brands and services through our Perks Program.

Closing
Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com.
If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.
Requisition ID
2026-1677289

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

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