Occupation · SOC 49-2022
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Median wage
$62,630
$42,440–$94,970
Projected growth
-4.1%
Declining
Annual openings
-660
per year
Employed (US)
153,890
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
41 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingEquipment MaintenanceActive ListeningReading ComprehensionMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingOperation and ControlJudgment and Decision MakingInstallationSystems AnalysisEquipment SelectionActive LearningWritingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationSystems EvaluationService OrientationLearning StrategiesInstructingPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesMathematicsScienceProgrammingTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial Resources
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingAdministrativeAdministration and ManagementCommunications and MediaSales and MarketingProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationDesignLaw and GovernmentGeographyBuilding and ConstructionPhysicsPsychologyEconomics and AccountingSociology and AnthropologyChemistryBiologyForeign LanguageTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyFine ArtsFood Production
Technology & tools
Apache StrutsAutodesk AutoCADCisco IOSFirewall softwareFluke ClearSight AnalyzerFluke Networks Fluke TechEXPERTFluke Networks TechAdvisor Field Access SystemGeographic information system GIS systemsIBM DominoMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOperating system softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareVoice over internet protocol VoIP system software
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleAnalyzing Data or InformationThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesSelling or Influencing OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling Resources
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic hand tools and test meters — identify and handle correctly under direct supervision on a telecommunications installation job site.Wire and cable color codes — recognize and differentiate to support accurate connection tasks during supervised training assignments.Telephone and data communication wiring — assist in running cables between components following labeled diagrams under technician guidance.Newly installed telecommunications equipment — observe and document post-installation test results as directed by a senior technician.Circuit diagrams and wiring schematics — read and interpret basic layouts to locate connection points during entry-level installation work.Personal protective equipment and site safety protocols — apply consistently when entering manholes, cable vaults, or elevated work areas.Ladders and truck-mounted booms — use under close supervision to access equipment mounting points at residential or commercial sites.Customer inquiries about newly installed equipment — listen actively and relay questions or concerns to a supervising technician for resolution.Standard switching equipment and wiring frames — assist in assembling components according to step-by-step instructions on structured cabling projects.Power supply connections — support testing procedures to confirm adequate voltage levels under direct technician oversight.
developing
Malfunctioning telecommunications equipment — isolate fault sources independently using test meters, polarity probes, and circuit diagrams on routine service calls.Repaired or updated communication systems — perform post-repair functional tests and verify conformance to specifications using approved test equipment.Data and telephone communication lines — install and terminate wiring runs from distribution frames to customer premises with minimal oversight.Poles, ladders, and truck-mounted booms — climb and operate safely and efficiently to install or maintain aerial telecommunications equipment.Wire and cable color differentiation — apply color-code knowledge consistently to complete accurate splicing and cross-connection tasks on active networks.Computer systems and network components — assemble and configure standard telecommunications hardware in office or commercial environments following documented procedures.Communications links and power supply connections — test and validate circuit continuity and signal quality after installation or repair activities.Customers receiving new or upgraded equipment — explain device operation clearly, demonstrate features, and address common questions or complaints professionally.Equipment maintenance schedules — perform routine preventive maintenance on telecommunications hardware and log findings in service management systems.Underground cable access points — enter and work safely in confined spaces such as manholes to inspect, connect, or repair cable infrastructure.
proficient
Complex or intermittent telecommunications faults — diagnose and resolve autonomously using advanced test equipment, systems analysis, and deductive reasoning across diverse site environments.Non-standard wiring configurations and legacy switching equipment — adapt installation and repair approaches to meet specifications without precedent-specific guidance.Newly installed and repaired equipment — conduct comprehensive functional and performance testing, interpreting results against technical specifications to confirm full system compliance.Network security and VPN equipment software — configure and verify secure communications links on enterprise telecommunications installations.CAD and GIS tools — use to plan cable routing, document infrastructure layouts, and support accurate field installations on large-scale broadband projects.Escalated customer complaints regarding service quality — investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and communicate technical resolutions clearly to non-technical stakeholders.Full-scope telecommunications infrastructure — manage installation of integrated systems including fiber, copper, and wireless components across multi-site commercial deployments.Critical safety judgments in elevated or confined-space environments — apply independently, adjusting work methods when hazards deviate from expected conditions.Operating system and communications server software — install, configure, and troubleshoot to restore telecommunications platform functionality with minimal service disruption.Analytical and expert system software — apply to monitor network performance, identify systemic issues, and recommend infrastructure improvements based on data trends.
advanced
Organizational troubleshooting standards and repair workflows — develop and implement to improve diagnostic efficiency and reduce mean-time-to-repair across regional technician teams.Emerging telecommunications technologies and installation methodologies — evaluate and integrate into company practices, ensuring the workforce remains current with industry evolution.Junior and mid-level technicians — mentor and coach in fault diagnosis, safety compliance, and customer communication to accelerate professional development.Technical training curricula for installation and repair competencies — design and deliver for new hires and apprentices aligned with Job Zone 3 qualification standards.Quality assurance programs for telecommunications installations — establish metrics, audit field work, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across service territories.Complex, high-stakes telecommunications projects — lead planning, resource allocation, and execution for enterprise or municipal infrastructure deployments.Cross-functional relationships with engineering, operations, and customer service teams — coordinate to align telecommunications installation strategies with broader organizational objectives.Organizational safety culture in aerial, subterranean, and confined-space work environments — champion policy development and enforce compliance at the leadership level.Technology procurement decisions for test equipment, tools, and software platforms — advise and influence based on operational needs and long-term infrastructure strategy.Telecommunications systems performance data — analyze at organizational scale to identify capability gaps, prioritize capital investments, and present findings to senior leadership.
Also known as
159 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Antenna InstallerAutomatic Equipment TechnicianBreak Fix Technician (Break Fix Tech)Broadband InstallerBroadband SpecialistBroadband TechnicianCable TechnicianCable Television Installer (Cable TV Installer)Cable Television Line Technician (Cable TV Line Technician)Cable TV Tech (Cable Television Technician)Call Box WirerCall Circuit WorkerCentral Office Equipment InstallerCentral Office Frame WirerCentral Office InstallerCentral Office MechanicCentral Office RepairerCentral Office TechnicianCentral Office Trouble ShooterCentral Office Worker (CO Worker)Combination TechnicianCommunication Equipment MechanicCommunication Equipment RepairerCommunications Equipment InstallerCommunications Equipment Repair TechnicianCommunications TechnicianCommunity Antenna Television Line TechnicianCustomer Service Technician (CST)Data Communications TechnicianElectronic Systems Technician (EST)Electronics InstallerElectronics MechanicEquipment InstallerEquipment MechanicEquipment TesterExchange MechanicExchange Trouble ShooterFacility ExaminerFacility TechnicianFacility Worker