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Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer

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What Do Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer Do?

Job Description & Duties Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

Life As a Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer

  • Dig holes for power poles, using power augers or shovels, set poles in place with cranes, and hoist poles upright, using winches.
  • Travel to customers' premises to install, maintain, or repair audio and visual electronic reception equipment or accessories.
  • Set up service for customers, installing, connecting, testing, or adjusting equipment.
  • Clean or maintain tools or test equipment.
  • String cables between structures and lines from poles, towers, or trenches and pull lines to proper tension.
  • Pull cable through ducts by hand or with winches.

Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers say are important on the job.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Outside Plant Technician
  • Fiber Optic Splicer
  • Climber
  • Line Installer
  • Line Inspector

Are There Job Opportunities for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 106,100 jobs in the United States for Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,700 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer are Nevada, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Vermont, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer Average Salary

The salary for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers ranges between about $30,950 and $92,440 a year.

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Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.

How much do Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $42,940
Alaska $70,140
Arizona $50,800
Arkansas $56,520
California $66,200
Colorado $51,790
Connecticut $68,460
Delaware $73,920
District of Columbia $74,360
Florida $40,860
Georgia $43,120
Hawaii $66,430
Idaho $46,410
Illinois $57,400
Indiana $42,450
Iowa $52,460
Kansas $60,160
Kentucky $47,930
Louisiana $40,200
Maine $60,600
Maryland $65,060
Massachusetts $81,030
Michigan $46,280
Minnesota $45,420
Mississippi $49,370
Missouri $50,950
Montana $53,970
Nebraska $43,360
Nevada $41,700
New Hampshire $62,570
New Jersey $84,130
New Mexico $46,210
New York $72,840
North Carolina $44,740
North Dakota $62,740
Ohio $43,740
Oklahoma $56,350
Oregon $55,670
Pennsylvania $69,530
Rhode Island $60,040
South Carolina $54,320
South Dakota $49,710
Tennessee $44,290
Texas $52,220
Utah $48,620
Vermont $63,520
Virginia $61,070
Washington $64,440
West Virginia $59,350
Wisconsin $54,430
Wyoming $55,100

Tools & Technologies Used by Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Cisco IOS

How to Become a Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer

Education needed to be a Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Telecommunications Line Installer or Repairer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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