Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Tasks
- Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
- Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
- Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Geographic information system
- Electronic mail software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Skills
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Broadband Distribution SpecialistCertifying Organization
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Wireless Systems Installer EngineerCertifying Organization
Exemplar Global
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
BICSI TechnicianCertifying Organization
Building Industry Consulting Service International
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $56,565 |
| Median (50%) | $67,017 |
| High (90%) | $91,915 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $77,208 |
| Mid Level | $80,705 |
| Senior Level | $90,635 |
| Expert Level | $104,526 |
Employability
There are currently 162,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 156,800 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -3%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -3%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
Career Resources
Search All Careers
Compare Careers
Income Outlook
Career Pathways
Career Clusters
Job Suite Home
CV Templates
Resume Templates
Cover Letter Templates
All Templates
Job Resources
Blog Articles
Podcast