Stability is security’s superpower

In an industry increasingly defined by conversations about artificial intelligence (AI), cloud platforms and economic uncertainty, the most important takeaway from the inaugural Electronic Security Association (ESA) Industry Performance Index may be something far less flashy: stability.  

While growth has slowed in recent quarters, the data shows an industry that continues to add jobs, raise wages and attract new businesses, reinforcing electronic security’s reputation as one of the most resilient sectors in the economy. 

The new report, produced by the ESA Industry Research Center in partnership with Beacon Economics, takes a long view of the industry's performance. That perspective matters. Short-term economic headlines can make it easy to lose sight of broader trends, but the numbers reveal a sector that has steadily expanded for more than two decades.  

According to the report, employment in security systems services grew from roughly 86,000 workers in 2001 to approximately 141,000 in 2025. During that same period, wages climbed dramatically, with annualized pay rising from about $35,000 to roughly $93,000. Real wage growth in the industry has significantly outpaced the broader economy, highlighting the increasing value of the skills and expertise security professionals bring to the table.  

The findings also reinforce something many in the industry already know: electronic security remains a business built by entrepreneurs. The number of service locations nationwide has climbed to nearly 11,400, and more than half of those locations employ fewer than five people. Whether that growth represents startups entering the market or existing firms expanding their reach, it reflects confidence in the industry's future.  

Another notable takeaway is the continued importance of the workforce. Security and fire alarm system installers account for more than one-third of industry employment, making them by far the largest occupational segment.  

At the same time, growth in project management and supervisory positions reflects the increasing complexity of modern security deployments and the need for companies to manage larger, more sophisticated projects.  

The report isn't without caution flags. The newly created Industry Performance Index currently stands at 126.7, using 2016 as its baseline year, but growth has largely flattened over the past five quarters. Researchers point to weaker commercial and industrial construction activity, reduced investment and higher borrowing costs as key factors limiting new demand.  

Still, there is an important distinction between slowing growth and decline. The report notes that strong demand for security-related products, continued growth in industry establishments and ongoing customer upgrades are helping support the market. Researchers also suggest that opportunities in sectors such as multifamily housing could provide new avenues for expansion. 

Perhaps the most telling takeaway is how familiar this story feels. The electronic security industry has weathered recessions, technology transitions, supply chain disruptions and shifting customer expectations. Yet it continues to move forward. It may not always be the fastest-growing sector in the economy, but it has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt, evolve and create opportunity.  

That's why the inaugural ESA Industry Performance Index is worth paying attention to. More than a collection of charts and statistics, it provides objective evidence of something many industry veterans have long believed: security's greatest strength isn't rapid growth or the latest technology trend. It's stability. In today's economic climate, that may be the industry's most valuable asset.