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Cable technician vs cable installation technician

The differences between cable technicians and cable installation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cable technician has an average salary of $47,289, which is higher than the $39,725 average annual salary of a cable installation technician.

The top three skills for a cable technician include broadband, customer service and ladders. The most important skills for a cable installation technician are customer service, hand tools, and TV.

Cable technician vs cable installation technician overview

Cable TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Yearly salary$47,289$39,725
Hourly rate$22.74$19.10
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs120,24990,389
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4542
Years of experience-2

What does a cable technician do?

A cable technician is responsible for managing cable systems, installing cable equipment, upgrading network systems, and troubleshooting cable issues. Cable technicians' duties include replacing defective cabling, running diagnostic tests on newly-installed cable systems, inspecting cable towers and ground cables, providing cable instructions to the customer, responding to customer's cable inquiries and requests, and ensuring the safety of cable structures. A cable technician must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and cable technology, following the established procedures and environmental policies.

What does a cable installation technician do?

The primary duties of a cable installation technician involve the installation, repair, and maintenance of residential cabling for television and internet services. Cable installation technicians service and sets up equipment and devices that carry signals like wiring, TV cable boxes, and internet routers. They provide support management actions requiring the establishment and maintenance of the combat effectiveness of electronic and electrical equipment. Also, they utilize product knowledge and communication skills in educating customers in using Comcast materials, equipment, and services.

Cable technician vs cable installation technician salary

Cable technicians and cable installation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cable TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Average salary$47,289$39,725
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityJackson, NJBinghamton, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyConnecticut
Best paying companyBaker HughesGPAC
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between cable technician and cable installation technician education

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

Cable TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Cable technician vs cable installation technician demographics

Here are the differences between cable technicians' and cable installation technicians' demographics:

Cable TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 5.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between cable technician and cable installation technician duties and responsibilities

Cable technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage projects wiring computer networks and phone systems, using Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and fiber optics.
  • Replace every existing cat-5 data and voice drop with cat-6 cabling and corresponding material.
  • Install cable boxes for cable and modems for computer Internet along with coax cable and CAT5 for phone lines.
  • Conduct on-site installations, correction and repair of clients' broadband service, equipment troubleshooting, and customer service and education
  • Climb ladders and gaff high utility poles to a height of approximately 25 feet, lifting and moving 80 pound ladders.
  • Install cat5 and cat6 for telecommunications
  • Show more

Cable installation technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform CATV installations, disconnects and troubleshooting reception from house back to node.
  • Install CAT5 cabling in ceilings and pull to be patch in data closet.
  • Install, and fabricate fiber optic cable, coaxial, CAT3 and CAT5 cable.
  • Travele to customer locations and assist the CATV technician in installation and setup of cable systems.
  • Design, install, repair, and maintain broadband communication systems, for network, computer, and/or telephone systems.
  • Construct, configure and install one Sony CCTV security camera for identification purposes outside of the base commander's office.
  • Show more

Cable technician vs cable installation technician skills

Common cable technician skills
  • Broadband, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%
  • TV, 5%
Common cable installation technician skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • TV, 11%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Broadband, 6%
  • Remedy, 6%

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