How To Become A Cable Installer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a cable installer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Cable installers are specialists in the installation and repair of main lines or the equipment and lines at the customer's location. They examine the lines whenever there is trouble and then rectify or replace the faulty equipment if needed. They take care of other general electrical, maintenance, and communication cable installation-related duties. Cable installers earn a median sum of $36,000 annually or $17 per hour.

Cable installers play an integral role in society even though they are slightly overlooked. They primarily set up internet and cable in customers' homes and offices. They then run some tests and troubleshoot the equipment and connections to ensure they are working effectively before leaving the premises. They may string and pull up cables between poles and underground as necessary to provide the strongest signal in the best position.

Cable installers typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Earning a bachelor's degree in relevant fields like computer science, information technology, telecommunications, and many more can prove advantageous in some instances. Employers tend to prefer candidates with work experience with basic computer and electronic skills.

ScoreCable InstallerUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $41,581

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 6.25%

Black or African American 12.93%

Hispanic or Latino 18.16%

Unknown 4.75%

White 57.28%

Gender

female 4.56%

male 95.44%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a cable installer

Explore cable installer education requirements

Most common cable installer degrees

High School Diploma

42.4 %

Associate

24.3 %

Bachelor's

14.8 %

Start to develop specific cable installer skills

Skills	Percentages
Broadband	38.34%
Ladders	9.19%
TV	7.01%
Fiber Optic Cables	6.32%
Trouble Calls	3.05%

Complete relevant cable installer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cable installers 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 installer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cable installer resumes.

Gain additional cable installer certifications

Cable installer 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 installer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

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

More About Certifications

Research cable installer duties and responsibilities

Develop and lead training programs in preparation for combat.
Keep, organize and manage detail DPR's (daily progress reports) for self and crew.
Install telephone lines, data lines, and switchboards for major hotels
Ensure PMCS and maintenance functions are perform in accordance with publish schedules.

Prepare your cable installer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cable installer 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 installer 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 installer resume templates

Build a professional cable installer 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 installer resume.