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The differences between cable installers and tower 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 $37,471 average annual salary of a tower technician.
The top three skills for a cable installer include broadband, ladders and TV. The most important skills for a tower technician are OSHA, CPR, and RF.
| Cable Installer | Tower Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,581 | $37,471 |
| Hourly rate | $19.99 | $18.01 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 72,465 | 92,566 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| 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 tower technician is responsible for maintaining the performance stability of line towers to provide the best network services for the customers. Tower technicians are often out in the field to conduct repairs and installations for the customers, inspecting the area's condition, and reporting structural inconsistencies and defects. They should have excellent mechanical and electrical knowledge to resolve issues immediately and create resolution manuals to prevent reoccurrence and ensure the safeness and security of line towers.
Cable installers and tower technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Installer | Tower Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,581 | $37,471 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $48,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc | SPX |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a cable installer and a tower technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Installer | Tower Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between cable installers' and tower technicians' demographics:
| Cable Installer | Tower Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% | Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |