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The differences between cable technicians 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 $47,289 average annual salary of a cable technician.
The top three skills for a cable technician include broadband, customer service and ladders. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Cable Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $47,289 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $22.74 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 120,249 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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 technicians and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cable Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $47,289 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $64,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Jackson, NJ | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Baker Hughes | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Media | Government |
There are a few differences between a cable technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Cable Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between cable technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Cable Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |