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Smoke Alarm Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smoke and heat detectors * Manual pull stations * Notification appliances * Fire alarm monitoring * Fire alarm testing and inspection * Fire alarm commissioning * Fire alarm drawings and submittals

Smoke and heat detectors * Manual pull stations * Notification appliances * Fire alarm monitoring * Fire alarm testing and inspection * Fire alarm commissioning * Fire alarm drawings and submittals

Smoke and heat detectors * Manual pull stations * Notification appliances * Fire alarm monitoring * Fire alarm testing and inspection * Fire alarm commissioning * Fire alarm drawings and submittals

... smoke control systems, networked fire alarm systems, and applicable codes and standards ... testing. * Experience programming and commissioning Autocall (preferred), Simplex or Gamewell FCI.

... smoke control systems, networked fire alarm systems, and applicable codes and standards ... testing. * Experience programming and commissioning Autocall (preferred), Simplex or Gamewell FCI.

Install fire alarm control panels, annunciators, smoke and heat detectors, pull stations, monitor ... Perform system testing, commissioning, preventive maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting.

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Smoke Alarm Tester information

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$11

$47

$69

How much do smoke alarm tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for smoke alarm tester in the United States is $47.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $56.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smoke alarm tester?

Smoke Alarm Testers are professionals responsible for inspecting, testing, and ensuring the proper functioning of smoke alarms in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Their duties include performing routine checks, replacing batteries, cleaning alarm devices, and documenting maintenance activities. Smoke Alarm Testers help ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and play a crucial role in preventing fire-related injuries and damage by making sure alarms provide early warning in case of smoke or fire. They may work independently or as part of a safety inspection team. Regular testing and maintenance by these professionals help maintain a safe environment for occupants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a smoke alarm tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Smoke Alarm Tester, you typically need a basic understanding of fire safety standards, electrical systems, and relevant safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency in using testing equipment, such as multimeters and specialized smoke detection devices, and familiarity with reporting software are commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate testing and clear documentation. These skills are crucial for maintaining compliance, ensuring public safety, and minimizing fire-related risks.

What are some common challenges faced by smoke alarm testers during inspections, and how can they be managed?

Smoke Alarm Testers often encounter challenges such as accessing hard-to-reach alarm units, dealing with faulty or outdated equipment, and ensuring compliance with varying local regulations. Managing these issues typically involves carrying appropriate tools like ladders and protective gear, staying updated on the latest fire safety codes, and maintaining clear communication with property owners or facility managers. Being adaptable and detail-oriented helps ensure all alarms are properly tested and documented, contributing to overall building safety.

What is the difference between Smoke Alarm Tester vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectSmoke Alarm TesterFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsBasic safety and testing certificationsAdvanced certifications, including NFPA standards
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, testing smoke alarmsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of entire fire alarm systems
Employer & IndustryHomeowners, property managers, safety inspectorsFire safety companies, industrial facilities, government agencies

While both roles involve fire safety, a Smoke Alarm Tester primarily focuses on testing and inspecting smoke alarms for proper operation, often in residential or commercial settings. A Fire Alarm Technician has a broader scope, including installing, maintaining, and repairing complete fire alarm systems. The roles share certifications and work environments but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

More about Smoke Alarm Tester jobs

What cities are hiring for Smoke Alarm Tester jobs?

Cities with the most Smoke Alarm Tester job openings:

What states have the most Smoke Alarm Tester jobs?

States with the most job openings for Smoke Alarm Tester jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Smoke Alarm Tester jobs?

For Smoke Alarm Tester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Smoke Alarm Tester job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,889 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Fire Alarm Programmer

San Diego, CA • On-site

AMPAM Parks Mechanical
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$45 - $50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


AMPAM Parks Mechanical rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer - Poway, CA


AMPAM is a leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractor serving large-scale multifamily and commercial projects across California. With 1,500 employees across multiple business units, we are committed to delivering quality, safety, and excellence in every project. In June 2026, AMPAM acquired Coastal Fire & Integration Systems (“Coastal”), a San Diego-area provider of fire protection, low-voltage, and life safety systems. This role will join the AMPAM team as a part of our Coastal Fire & Integration Systems acquisition.


Qualifications

The ideal candidate should:

· Possess experience programming Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.

· Possess troubleshooting experience on EST-4 fire alarm systems, including ground faults, communication issues, device troubles, network issues, and system programming conflicts.

· Possess strong computer skills, including the ability to use programming software, maintain electronic files, generate reports, and communicate by email.

· Hold a NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification. NICET Level II or higher preferred.

· Possess a working knowledge of low-voltage communication systems, fire alarm systems, emergency communication systems, and related building system interfaces.

· Be able to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, device layouts, sequence of operations, submittals, specifications, and as-built documentation.

· Be familiar with applicable fire alarm codes and standards, including NFPA 72, California Fire Code, local AHJ requirements, and project specifications.

· Be able to travel to job sites, arrive on time, and be organized with required safety gear, tools, laptop/programming equipment, and necessary parts or materials.

· Have strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Be able to communicate professionally with project managers, field technicians, inspectors, general contractors, customers, vendors, and AHJs.

Job Duties

The EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer will be responsible for:

· Fire alarm system programming associated with start-ups, changes, tenant improvements, system modifications, service work, and project closeout.

· Programming, downloading, uploading, backing up, and maintaining EST-4 fire alarm system files.

· Reviewing approved drawings, sequence of operations, device lists, and project specifications to ensure programming matches the intended system design.

· Performing fire alarm troubleshooting and repairs on EST-4 systems.

· Supporting system commissioning, pre-testing, final testing, and acceptance testing.

· Servicing, inspecting, testing, and installing fire alarm systems in accordance with prescribed standards, approved drawings, manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.

· Coordinating with field technicians to verify device addressing, labeling, circuit connections, panel terminations, network communication, notification appliance operation, and system functionality.

· Testing and verifying initiating devices, notification appliances, control modules, monitor modules, relays, annunciators, power supplies, voice evacuation components, and related fire alarm equipment.

· Programming and testing system interfaces, which may include elevator recall, sprinkler monitoring, duct detector shutdown, door release, smoke control, monitoring connections, access control interface, and other building system integrations.

· Participating in inspections and acceptance testing with fire departments, AHJs, general contractors, owners, and other project stakeholders.

· Preparing and maintaining accurate documentation, including programming files, test reports, deficiency lists, as-built notes, and closeout information.

· Providing technical support to project managers, service technicians, inspection teams, and customers as needed.

· Safety: Complying with company and OSHA safety regulations to ensure safe work procedures in the workplace and on job sites.

Additional Duties

The comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position may be in excess of what is listed herein. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Physical Requirements

This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crawl, and crouch for long periods of time. Individuals may be required to climb ladders, scaffolding, stairs, and access equipment in mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, rooftops, parking structures, ceiling spaces, and other job site locations.

Individuals must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull in excess of 50 pounds. This position may occasionally require individuals to work in high places, confined spaces, small cramped spaces, active construction sites, and occupied facilities.


Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without future employment sponsorship


Recruitment Agencies:

To protect the interests of all parties, AMPAM WILL NOT accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AMPAM, including unsolicited resumes sent directly to AMPAM leaders/managers/coworkers or to AMPAM's database will be considered AMPAM property. AMPAM will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Inquiries from external recruitment agencies should be directed ONLY to our talent acquisition team.



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