Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Cable engineer education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a cable engineer. Cable engineers usually study electrical engineering, business, or mechanical engineering. 61% of cable engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 139 real cable engineer resumes to see exactly what cable engineer education sections show.
The most common colleges for cable engineers are the The University of Tennessee - Knoxville and the The University of Tennessee - Knoxville.
There are also many online cable engineer courses to help get the education required to be a cable engineer.
What education do you need to become a cable engineer?
What degree do you need to be a cable engineer?
- Bachelor's, 61%
- Associate, 18%
- High School Diploma, 8%
- Diploma, 6%
- Other Degrees, 7%
What should I major in to become a cable engineer?
- Business, 12%
- Computer Science, 7%
- Other Majors, 50%
Most common colleges for cable engineers
| Cable engineer common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee - Knoxville | 9.52% |
| University of New Haven | 4.76% |
| Rice University | 4.76% |
| California State University - Fullerton | 4.76% |
| Clark Atlanta University | 4.76% |
Best majors for cable engineers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Engineering | 18.6% |
| 2 | Business | 11.9% |
| 3 | Mechanical Engineering | 11.9% |
| 4 | Computer Science | 6.8% |
| 5 | Management | 5.1% |
Best colleges for cable engineers
The best colleges for cable engineers are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and California Institute of Technology.
A cable engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for cable engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become cable engineers.
1. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,646
Enrollment
5,736
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
3. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,832
Enrollment
4,550
5. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
6. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
7. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
8. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$53,740
Enrollment
5,567
9. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
10. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
20 best online courses for cable engineers
Advertising disclosure
1. Akamai Network Engineering
Are you interested in learning how large global network operations work? Does managing 30% of the internet traffic globally intrigue you? Then the Network Engineering certification is for you. The NOCC is a proactive monitoring and troubleshooting team that monitors and manages globally distributed servers and resolves network bottlenecks in real time. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking,...
2. Optical Engineering
The courses in this specialization can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5600-5602, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. Enroll here.\n\nOptical instruments are how we see the world, from corrective eyewear to medical endoscopes to cell phone cameras to orbiting telescopes. This course will teach you how to design such optical systems with simple graphical techniques, then transform those pencil and paper designs to include real optical components...
3. Introduction To Fiber Optic Cabling
Welcome! This course is designed to give you a good understand of fiber optics and fiber data transmission...
4. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure
The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...
5. Network Automation Engineering Fundamentals
The Network Automation Engineering Fundamentals Specialization takes mid- to expert-level network engineers through the primary topics of network automation and programmability and prepares them for the NetDevOps environment. This Specialization serves as a well-rounded survey of topics and core skills that a network automation engineer should know to effectively deploy and operate a NetDevOps environment.\n\nCompleting this Specialization will help you prepare to operate as a network...
6. Engineering of Structures: Tension
This course deals with tension. Tension is one of the easiest forces to understand. It is a pulling force. When we tend to pull an object, it is in tension. Different elements that resist tension in buildings are ropes, cables, and funicular forms. You will study different structures and identify what role tension plays in their designs. The first module explores tension and its importance in building structures. The second module explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges. You will...
7. IT network cabling: The complete fiber optics course
Demystifying fiber optics, the fastest growing ICT network infrastructure sector one lesson at a time!...
8. CCNA and CCNP Real World Labs - Data Centers and Cabling
A Data Center Tour and the Physical Layer, including Cable Testers and Analyzers by Fluke and Ideal Networks...
9. Optical Fiber Transmission Networks Using DWDM Technology
All you require to start with DWDM Technology, fundamentals, components: Mux/Demux, ROADMS, Amplifiers, transponders etc...
10. Optical Fiber Access Networks Using PON/FTTH
All you need to know for getting started with FTTx Technology...
11. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
12. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...
13. CSi SAP2000: Structural Analysis Program for Engineers
Analyze Structural Elements Using SAP2000 For Engineers & Architects...
14. Data Center Infrastructure Design - An Introduction
An overview of data center infrastructure design from a structured cabling system designer's perspective...
15. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Explained
Learn how things work! Boilers, engines, valves, transformers, pumps, learn it all in this constantly growing course!...
16. Ansible for Network Engineers: Quick Start GNS3 & Ansible
Ansible for Network Engineers with GNS3, Ansible and Cisco IOS. Learn Network Automation & Programmability = the future...
17. CCNA 2020 - CCNA 200-301 exam - a complete guide - Cisco
Includes unique videos presenting REAL Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, access points, cables, connectors, and labs...
18. Reverse Engineering: Ghidra For Beginners
Learn Reverse Engineering Using Ghidra On Linux And Windows...
19. Etap for Electrical Engineers
Design, Simulate and Analyze Power systems in Etap...
20. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking
For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...
Top 10 most affordable universities for cable engineers
The most affordable schools for cable engineers are California State University - Long Beach, brigham young university, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.
If the best universities for cable engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for cable engineers.
1. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
4. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
13,508
5. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
6. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Cost of attendance
21,302
8. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
9. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, WV • Private
In-state tuition
$7,464
Cost of attendance
17,166
10. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for cable engineers
The hardest universities for cable engineers to get into are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and California Institute of Technology.
Some great schools for cable engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for cable engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
3. California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,566
4. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
7. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
8. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
9. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,465
10. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for cable engineers
The easiest schools for cable engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, capitol technology university, and pennsylvania state university - berks.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a cable engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for cable engineers.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
2. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
Admissions rate
69%
SAT average
1,070
3. Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Reading, PA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,107
4. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,068
5. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
6. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
7. Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
957
8. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,080
9. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Altoona, PA • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,094
10. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,093
Average cable engineer salary by education level
| Cable engineer education level | Cable engineer salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $93,755 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $84,416 |
| Doctorate Degree | $102,484 |
Cable engineer education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common architecture and engineering questions.
Search for cable engineer jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025