Post job

Cable technician vs satellite installation technician

The differences between cable technicians and satellite 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 $36,826 average annual salary of a satellite installation technician.

The top three skills for a cable technician include broadband, customer service and ladders. The most important skills for a satellite installation technician are work ethic, customer service, and strong customer service.

Cable technician vs satellite installation technician overview

Cable TechnicianSatellite Installation Technician
Yearly salary$47,289$36,826
Hourly rate$22.74$17.70
Growth rate8%10%
Number of jobs120,249105,288
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 34%
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 satellite installation technician do?

A satellite installation technician is responsible for installing and repairing network cables and satellite products, conducting regular maintenance, and resolving network issues. Satellite installation technicians operate various installation tools and equipment to perform tasks efficiently and ensure that the services provided work according to the clients' best interests. They also offer instructional guides and manuals for the clients, respond to their inquiries and concerns, and escalate their requests to the management. A satellite installation technician must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to analyze schematics and blueprints to manage and connect installation components properly.

Cable technician vs satellite installation technician salary

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

Cable TechnicianSatellite Installation Technician
Average salary$47,289$36,826
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityJackson, NJPhoenix, AZ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMaryland
Best paying companyBaker HughesUniTek Global Services
Best paying industryMediaConstruction

Differences between cable technician and satellite installation technician education

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

Cable TechnicianSatellite Installation Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Cable technician vs satellite installation technician demographics

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

Cable TechnicianSatellite Installation Technician
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.0% Asian, 4.3% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between cable technician and satellite 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

Satellite installation technician example responsibilities.

  • Install, manage, and troubleshoot CAT3, CAT5, CAT6, and fiber optic infrastructures throughout the greater Tulsa area.
  • Install satellite TV and receivers and ensuring broadband connectivity.
  • Update and improve job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities on new developments in satellite and broadband wireless technologies.
  • Compose written reports of data collect from patient evaluation and present to department chief for thorough analysis of patient diagnosis.
  • Plan daily route, requisition equipment and supplies, and stock vehicle with Ethernet and RG-6 cable.
  • Utilize problem solving skills to complete jobs by running new coaxial lines as well as wiring phone and Ethernet in households.
  • Show more

Cable technician vs satellite installation technician skills

Common cable technician skills
  • Broadband, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%
  • TV, 5%
Common satellite installation technician skills
  • Work Ethic, 26%
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • Strong Customer Service, 18%
  • Edge Technology, 17%
  • Broadband, 8%
  • Site Surveys, 6%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs