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Cable splicer vs fiber optic splicer

The differences between cable splicers and fiber optic splicers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cable splicer has an average salary of $46,998, which is higher than the $44,077 average annual salary of a fiber optic splicer.

The top three skills for a cable splicer include hand tools, CDL and bucket truck. The most important skills for a fiber optic splicer are hand tools, ladders, and OTDR.

Cable splicer vs fiber optic splicer overview

Cable SplicerFiber Optic Splicer
Yearly salary$46,998$44,077
Hourly rate$22.60$21.19
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs23,15964,017
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 32%
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 fiber optic splicer do?

A fiber optic splicer specializes in installing and repairing fiber optic cables in telecommunication lines. Among their responsibilities include providing customer assistance by answering inquiries, troubleshooting problems, implementing systems, and assisting customers in setting up their devices. There are also instances where they must install cable lines, work together with construction crews and linemen, and perform maintenance checks. Moreover, a fiber optic splicer typically works with a team, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.

Cable splicer vs fiber optic splicer salary

Cable splicers and fiber optic splicers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cable SplicerFiber Optic Splicer
Average salary$46,998$44,077
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $72,000Between $28,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cable splicer and fiber optic splicer education

There are a few differences between a cable splicer and a fiber optic splicer in terms of educational background:

Cable SplicerFiber Optic Splicer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cable splicer vs fiber optic splicer demographics

Here are the differences between cable splicers' and fiber optic splicers' demographics:

Cable SplicerFiber Optic Splicer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.9% Female, 5.1%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.0% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between cable splicer and fiber optic splicer 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

Fiber optic splicer example responsibilities.

  • Used and maintain both single and mass fusion fiber optic splicing machines and various test equipment including OTDR.
  • Operate OTDR, IOLM, and various test equipment to troubleshoot and isolate damage cable and restore service.
  • Install MTRJ, SC, LC at various FBI locations.
  • Run, splice, terminate, and trouble shoot cat-5 cat-6 and coax cables.
  • Practice locating, installing, and testing DSL, VRAD, VOIP, REGEN, and wireless equipment.
  • Test T1's, T3s, DS1s, DS3s, carrier access channel banks, and D4 channel banks.
  • Show more

Cable splicer vs fiber optic splicer skills

Common cable splicer skills
  • Hand Tools, 29%
  • CDL, 27%
  • Bucket Truck, 5%
  • DOT, 4%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common fiber optic splicer skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • OTDR, 12%
  • Fiber Optic Cables, 10%
  • Power Meters, 8%
  • Bucket Truck, 6%

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