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Cable technician vs technician

The differences between cable technicians and 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 $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a cable technician include broadband, customer service and ladders. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Cable technician vs technician overview

Cable TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$47,289$38,045
Hourly rate$22.74$18.29
Growth rate8%1%
Number of jobs120,249596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4540
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 technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Cable technician vs technician salary

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

Cable TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$47,289$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityJackson, NJSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyHawaii
Best paying companyBaker HughesMicrosoft
Best paying industryMediaTelecommunication

Differences between cable technician and technician education

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

Cable TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNew York University-

Cable technician vs technician demographics

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

Cable TechnicianTechnician
Average age4540
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%2%

Differences between cable technician and 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

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Cable technician vs technician skills

Common cable technician skills
  • Broadband, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%
  • TV, 5%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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