Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between cable installers and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, 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 communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Cable Installer | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,581 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $19.99 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 72,465 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| 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 communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
Cable installers and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Installer | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,581 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $48,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a cable installer and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Installer | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between cable installers' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Cable Installer | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| 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, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |