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The differences between cable installers and telecom technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a telecom technician has an average salary of $54,352, 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 telecom technician are fiber optic cables, voip, and switches.
| Cable Installer | Telecom Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,581 | $54,352 |
| Hourly rate | $19.99 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 72,465 | 111,865 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| 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 telecom technician is responsible for overseeing and maintaining telecommunication systems. They are usually in charge of planning and conceptualizing systems, performing installations and adjustments, troubleshooting problems, and conducting repairs. Through extensive research and analysis, they also develop and implement test structures that ensure the safety and efficiency of systems, create strategies to optimize workflow, and implement solutions against areas needing improvement. Moreover, aside from providing technical support, a telecom technician may also establish guidelines and recommend technical practices.
Cable installers and telecom technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Installer | Telecom Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,581 | $54,352 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $48,000 | Between $33,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a cable installer and a telecom technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Installer | Telecom Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between cable installers' and telecom technicians' demographics:
| Cable Installer | Telecom Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |