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The differences between cable installers and installation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cable installer has an average salary of $41,581, which is higher than the $38,043 average annual salary of an installation technician.
The top three skills for a cable installer include broadband, ladders and TV. The most important skills for an installation technician are customer service, ladders, and hand tools.
| Cable Installer | Installation Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,581 | $38,043 |
| Hourly rate | $19.99 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 72,465 | 129,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 32% |
| 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.
Installation technicians are responsible for handling and installing all types of electronic systems and equipment. An installation technician should be well-knowledgeable about the equipment complexity to conduct troubleshooting for system malfunction or provide necessary instructions for the customers. In some cases, installation technicians are required to conduct regular checks and maintenance to ensure that the system functions properly, upgrading, or replacing equipment for improvement. Installation technicians usually handle customer queries for the system and are expected to resolve issues through remote work or area visit.
Cable installers and installation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Installer | Installation Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,581 | $38,043 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $48,000 | Between $29,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc | Pella |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a cable installer and an installation technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Installer | Installation Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between cable installers' and installation technicians' demographics:
| Cable Installer | Installation Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| 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, 12.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |