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What is a cable installation technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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As a cable installation technician, your job duties involve installation and repair tasks related to consumer cable services. You travel to customers' homes to install new lines, including drilling holes, climbing onto roofs, running wires in the house, and ensuring the services work once installed. You are responsible for the company vehicle, which includes keeping it clean and driving safely.

Your job also includes offering customer service. You may have to demonstrate the equipment you have installed and answer questions about operating the equipment. You keep logs of the work you have done and gather customer signatures to verify you have completed the job. You may also be responsible for collecting money for the services you provide.

Some employers require no formal education beyond a high school diploma and provide their own training on-the-job. However, many employers prefer some formal training, such as an associate's degree in electronics or telecommunications technology.

The current median pay for these technicians ranges from $47,080 to $68,000 in the U.S. However, this figure can vary significantly depending upon your experience and skills.

ScoreCable Installation TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,725

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
2.9

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 4.96%

Black or African American 9.81%

Hispanic or Latino 23.26%

Unknown 5.90%

White 55.45%

Gender

female 4.40%

male 95.60%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
2.9

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Cable installation technician career paths

Key steps to become a cable installation technician

  1. Explore cable installation technician education requirements

    Most common cable installation technician degrees

    High School Diploma

    38.3 %

    Associate

    27.2 %

    Bachelor's

    16.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific cable installation technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service18.84%
    Hand Tools17.94%
    TV11.13%
    Ladders6.91%
    Broadband5.96%
  3. Complete relevant cable installation technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cable installation technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cable installation technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cable installation technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional cable installation technician certifications

    Cable installation technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific cable installation technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for cable installation technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and Data Cabling Installer (DCI).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research cable installation technician duties and responsibilities

    • Perform CATV installations, disconnects and troubleshooting reception from house back to node.
    • Install CAT5 cabling in ceilings and pull to be patch in data closet.
    • Install, and fabricate fiber optic cable, coaxial, CAT3 and CAT5 cable.
    • Travele to customer locations and assist the CATV technician in installation and setup of cable systems.
  6. Prepare your cable installation technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cable installation technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cable installation technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable cable installation technician resume templates

    Build a professional cable installation technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your cable installation technician resume.
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
    Cable Installation Technician Resume
  7. Apply for cable installation technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cable installation technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first cable installation technician job

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Average cable installation technician salary

The average cable installation technician salary in the United States is $39,725 per year or $19 per hour. Cable installation technician salaries range between $30,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average cable installation technician salary
$39,725 Yearly
$19.10 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do cable installation technicians rate their job?

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Cable installation technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like it because I enjoy doing it.for the past 21years I was doing cabling .so cabling is my life .I like when I get challenges every now and then it build me give me strength to face life

Cons

I don't like when don't get business I feel down and lazy


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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