Post job

Cable splicer vs communications technician

The differences between cable splicers 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 $46,998 average annual salary of a cable splicer.

The top three skills for a cable splicer include hand tools, CDL and bucket truck. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Cable splicer vs communications technician overview

Cable SplicerCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$46,998$52,222
Hourly rate$22.60$25.11
Growth rate6%8%
Number of jobs23,159125,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

What does a cable splicer do?

Cable splicers are skilled employees who are responsible for installing, splicing, testing, and repairing high-voltage overhead, underground, or submarine cables or wires. To reach the location of these high-voltage cables, cable splicers are required to climb utility poles, utilize truck-mounted lift buck, and descend into underground manholes. They must use a variety of specialized test equipment, including handheld electric and non-electric hand tools when making repairs or performing cable wiring. Cable splicers must also work with other teams on splicing telephone cables.

What does a communications technician do?

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 splicer vs communications technician salary

Cable splicers and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cable SplicerCommunications Technician
Average salary$46,998$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $72,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Pacifi
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between cable splicer and communications technician education

There are a few differences between a cable splicer and a communications technician in terms of educational background:

Cable SplicerCommunications Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common college-Stanford University

Cable splicer vs communications technician demographics

Here are the differences between cable splicers' and communications technicians' demographics:

Cable SplicerCommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.9% Female, 5.1%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 4.0% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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 Percentage4%6%

Differences between cable splicer and communications technician duties and responsibilities

Cable splicer example responsibilities.

  • Install UTP, STP, and T1 cabling.
  • Dig and shore up cable pits, work in manholes, wire main frames and sub frames for cable throws.
  • Follow safety procedures according to OSHA and BellSouth practices.
  • Pull cable and dig for under grind missile bores.
  • Ensure that equipment run at optimal levels, perform routine maintenance and repairs.
  • Review team members work ensuring that OSP standards are met as well as company policies and procedures.
  • Show more

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Cable splicer vs communications technician skills

Common cable splicer skills
  • Hand Tools, 29%
  • CDL, 27%
  • Bucket Truck, 5%
  • DOT, 4%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs