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Cable technician vs low voltage technician

The differences between cable technicians and low voltage 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 $39,605 average annual salary of a low voltage technician.

The top three skills for a cable technician include broadband, customer service and ladders. The most important skills for a low voltage technician are hand tools, CCTV, and patch panels.

Cable technician vs low voltage technician overview

Cable TechnicianLow Voltage Technician
Yearly salary$47,289$39,605
Hourly rate$22.74$19.04
Growth rate8%7%
Number of jobs120,24940,465
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4542
Years of experience-12

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 low voltage technician do?

A low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately. They also conduct repairs for defective components and faulty wirings, recommending solutions and low-cost materials with high quality according to the customers' needs and budget limitations. A low voltage technician must have excellent electrical and organizational skills, especially in performing duties with utmost adherence to safety guidelines and procedures to prevent hazards and operational delays.

Cable technician vs low voltage technician salary

Cable technicians and low voltage technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cable TechnicianLow Voltage Technician
Average salary$47,289$39,605
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $30,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityJackson, NJOakland, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyHawaii
Best paying companyBaker HughesMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between cable technician and low voltage technician education

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

Cable TechnicianLow Voltage Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common collegeNew York University-

Cable technician vs low voltage technician demographics

Here are the differences between cable technicians' and low voltage technicians' demographics:

Cable TechnicianLow Voltage Technician
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%3%

Differences between cable technician and low voltage 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

Low voltage technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of up to four installers that convert several hundr banks on the west coast of Florida to VOIP.
  • Handle and maintain transmission lines and distribution lines 34.5 KV and 13.8 KV.
  • Perform moves, adds or changes on PBX system.
  • Install conduit, including rigid, EMT, PVC and flex.
  • Ensure OSHA rules and regulations are compiled and meet
  • Open support tickets for down T1 lines with LEC.
  • Show more

Cable technician vs low voltage technician skills

Common cable technician skills
  • Broadband, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%
  • TV, 5%
Common low voltage technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • CCTV, 8%
  • Patch Panels, 6%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Security Systems, 5%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%

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