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Fire Protection Installer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fire Alarm Designer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Join our growing fire protection services team to provide best-in-class service to our clients! RCM ... RCM offers in-house design and installation to ensure that the quality of our work is consistent ...

Fire Alarm Designer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Join our growing fire protection services team to provide best-in-class service to our clients! RCM ... RCM offers in house design and installation to ensure that the quality of our work is consistent ...

Fire Plan Check Engineer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$106K - $128K/yr

You'll review building and fire protection plans, ensure code compliance, and collaborate with ... Enforce code requirements for the design, construction, and installation of equipment and materials ...

Showing results 41-60

Fire Protection Installer information

See California salary details

$13

$26

$36

How much do fire protection installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire protection installer in California is $26.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fire protection installer do?

A Fire Protection Installer is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing fire protection systems, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers, in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Their work ensures that these systems function properly to detect and suppress fires, helping to protect lives and property. Installers follow building codes and safety regulations, test equipment, and may also educate building occupants on fire safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire protection installer?

To thrive as a Fire Protection Installer, you need a solid understanding of fire safety codes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring specialized training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with installation tools, blueprint reading, and systems like sprinklers and alarms, as well as certifications such as NICET, are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help installers excel in complex or high-risk environments. These skills ensure fire protection systems are installed safely and correctly, protecting lives and property while meeting regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by fire protection installers on job sites?

Fire Protection Installers often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hard-to-reach spaces, coordinating with other trades to avoid project delays, and ensuring strict compliance with safety codes and regulations. The role requires adaptability, as installation environments and project timelines can change rapidly. Clear communication with site managers and other contractors is crucial to resolve conflicts and maintain efficient workflows.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Installer vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire Protection InstallerFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNICET certifications, OSHA safety trainingNICET certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, commercial buildings, industrial facilitiesCommercial and industrial buildings, maintenance settings
Job FocusInstalling fire suppression systems like sprinklers and extinguishersInstalling, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems
Employer & Industry UsageFire protection companies, construction firmsSecurity and fire alarm companies, facilities management

Both roles require similar certifications and often work in comparable environments, but Fire Protection Installers focus on installing fire suppression systems, while Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in fire alarm systems. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in fire safety.

How do you become a fire protection installer?

To become a fire protection installer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program that provides hands-on experience with fire suppression systems. Many states require certification or licensing, which involves passing exams that test knowledge of fire codes, safety standards, and installation techniques.

Is fire protection installer a good career?

Fire protection installers install and maintain fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and alarms, often working in commercial or industrial settings. The job offers steady employment, requires technical skills, and may involve certifications like NICET or state licenses. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement and specialization.
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Installer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,746 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineering Designer (5+Years)

Coffman Engineers

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Coffman Engineers rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Company Description

At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 23 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.

Job Description

Our mission is simple: To empower our team to deliver innovative engineering solutions focused on our clients' success. As a Fire Protection Engineering Designer at Coffman Engineers, you'll be part of a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team that believes in making a difference for our clients and our communities. You'll experience a culture where your growth and contributions truly matter. 

Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated, Fire Protection Engineering Designer with five or more years of experience. This individual will have an interest in working with professionals on challenging projects providing our clients with automatic suppression system design; fire detection, alarm and mass notification system design; code analysis; egress analysis; fire resistant construction analysis; smoke control analysis; as well as general fire protection and life safety concepts and research. Candidate should also have interest and expertise in successfully managing client and team relationships through challenges that may arise.

Qualifications

Requirements Include: 

  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in engineering, sciences, or related fields. 
  • Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in fire protection systems or engineering consulting.  
  • Project or Construction Management experience in the specified industries and sectors. 
  • Experience with the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements of fire alarm systems. 
  • Practical knowledge of major fire alarm manufacturers' current product offerings and legacy products. Manufactures product certifications preferred. 
  • Ability to develop proposals, execution plans, and technical engineering reports. 
  • Ability to communicate with clients/stakeholders effectively. 
  • Reading and reviewing project drawings including plans, sections, and bills of materials. 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Experience with the current version of AutoCAD and Revit (preferred). 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Required Duties and Skills: 

  • Computer skills necessary for daily activities, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, simple graphics, and a working knowledge of computer aided drafting.
  • Managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients while utilizing experience and technology to meet expectations.
  • Performing research and documenting for internal and external distribution.
  • Performing analysis of existing fire alarm systems, as well as designing new fire alarm systems including suppression systems, fire detection, alarm and mass notification systems.
  • Performing building and fire code analysis and interpretation.
  • Review product data submittal and shop drawings for concurrence with project specifications and specific manufacturer's installation instructions, product listing requirements and maintenance and testing requirements.
  • Project management skills for managing internal projects as well as external client needs.

Compensation:

  • Approximate Base Salary - $95k-125k based on experience
  • Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
  • Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
  • Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
  • 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. 

Additional Information

Why You Want to Work Here

You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different - our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isn't the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.

Coffman offers comprehensive benefits, including a flexible PTO program and a fun environment with family-friendly policies. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth.

Don't take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:

http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm

Coffman at a Glance:

  • 47 years in business 
  • 850+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 23 locations
  • Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
  • 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
  • #34 Top 80 Engineering Firms, Building Design + Construction, 2022
  • #29 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
  • #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

Applying

You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know and we will provide reasonable accommodation.

If you are experiencing problems applying through our system, please try using a different browser or an updated version of your current browser. If that doesn't work, please contact us directly.

This position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.  

Follow us!

www.coffman.com

Twitter: @CoffmanEngineer

Instagram: @CoffmanEngineers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffman-engineers

Facebook: @CoffmanEngineers


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