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The differences between cable installers and cable technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cable technician has an average salary of $47,289, which is higher than the $41,581 average annual salary of a cable installer.
The top three skills for a cable installer include broadband, ladders and TV. The most important skills for a cable technician are broadband, customer service, and ladders.
| Cable Installer | Cable Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,581 | $47,289 |
| Hourly rate | $19.99 | $22.74 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 72,465 | 120,249 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A cable installer installs and maintains telecommunication systems and equipment such as telephone lines, cable television, or internet services at homes or commercial areas. In some companies, a cable installer may also handle complaints and concerns, conduct inspections, troubleshoot problems, and fix or replace components when necessary. Their job often requires them to climb up poles or even towers to attach or repair wires, and there are times when they may perform adjustments or even disconnections. They may also assist clients by answering inquiries, providing instructions, or referring them to other services when necessary.
A cable technician is responsible for managing cable systems, installing cable equipment, upgrading network systems, and troubleshooting cable issues. Cable technicians' duties include replacing defective cabling, running diagnostic tests on newly-installed cable systems, inspecting cable towers and ground cables, providing cable instructions to the customer, responding to customer's cable inquiries and requests, and ensuring the safety of cable structures. A cable technician must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and cable technology, following the established procedures and environmental policies.
Cable installers and cable technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Installer | Cable Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,581 | $47,289 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $48,000 | Between $34,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Jackson, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc | Baker Hughes |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a cable installer and a cable technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Installer | Cable Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between cable installers' and cable technicians' demographics:
| Cable Installer | Cable Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% | Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |