How to hire a cable technician

How to hire a cable technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cable technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cable technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cable technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a cable technician do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cable technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cable technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cable technician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cable technicians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents cable technician salaries for various positions.

   Type of Cable Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Cable Technician	Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, also known as telecom technicians, set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, and access the Internet.	$16-30
   Tower Hand	A tower hand is a professional who climbs towers or poles to install, repair, and perform routine maintenance on electrical equipment. Tower hands are required to climb up very tall structures to perform maintenance on equipment such as power lines, cell tower components, or radio antenna equipment... Show more	$12-28
   Cable Installer	A cable installer installs and maintains telecommunication systems and equipment such as telephone lines, cable television, or internet services at homes or commercial areas. In some companies, a cable installer may also handle complaints and concerns, conduct inspections, troubleshoot problems, and fix or replace components when necessary... Show more	$16-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Broadband
   • Customer Service
   • Ladders
   • Hand Tools
   • Structured Cabling
   • TV
   • Work Ethic
   • Crawl Spaces
   • Cable Lines
   • Test Results
   • Cat-6
   • Telecommunication
   • CAT5
   • Service Calls

   Check all skills

   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

   More cable technician duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cable technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cable technician salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cable technicians' average salary in utah is 55% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cable technicians earn 47% less than senior-level cable technicians.
   • Certifications. A cable technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cable technician's salary.

   Average cable technician salary

   $47,289yearly

   $22.74 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cable technician salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average cable technician salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$65,342	$31
   2	Virginia	$62,805	$30
   3	Connecticut	$58,978	$28
   4	Maryland	$57,545	$28
   5	Missouri	$56,950	$27
   6	Illinois	$53,672	$26
   7	New York	$52,997	$25
   8	Massachusetts	$52,207	$25
   9	Michigan	$52,064	$25
   10	North Carolina	$51,467	$25
   11	Ohio	$49,862	$24
   12	Tennessee	$49,558	$24
   13	Alabama	$48,865	$23
   14	South Carolina	$48,258	$23
   15	Indiana	$48,005	$23
   16	Vermont	$47,884	$23
   17	West Virginia	$47,876	$23
   18	Georgia	$47,560	$23
   19	Oklahoma	$47,376	$23
   20	Nebraska	$47,251	$23

   Average cable technician salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Baker Hughes	$76,566	$36.81	18
   2	Halliburton	$75,909	$36.49	7
   3	Mission Regional Medical Center	$72,465	$34.84	31
   4	Fusion Technology	$64,292	$30.91
   5	Prime Healthcare	$63,520	$30.54	18
   6	Information Management Group	$58,937	$28.34	1
   7	GPAC	$56,403	$27.12
   8	General Dynamics	$56,208	$27.02	58
   9	Rite-Solutions	$55,413	$26.64
   10	CACI International	$55,138	$26.51	29
   11	Vision Technologies	$54,882	$26.39
   12	BAE Systems	$54,594	$26.25	53
   13	Logicalis	$53,776	$25.85	1
   14	EXCEL Management Systems	$53,768	$25.85	1
   15	Pixel Health	$53,735	$25.83
   16	Northrop Grumman	$52,773	$25.37	6
   17	Technology Service Professionals	$52,489	$25.24
   18	Wachter, Inc.	$51,991	$25.00	121
   19	Golden Star Technology	$51,081	$24.56
   20	Black Box	$50,665	$24.36	3

4. Writing a cable technician job description

   A cable technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a cable technician job description:

   Cable technician job description example

   At Vision, each person brings their unique talents to work as a team and make a difference. Five business units in pursuit of 100% customer satisfaction - expert audio-visual, professional services, security, wireless and structured cabling capabilities. Corporate certifications plus the support of everything IP uniquely distinguishes Vision among top technology integrators. Our committed team, entrenched in a culture of support, works to ensure an unforgettable customer experience. Vision is committed to the community, and we promote a healthy environment for our teammates - caring people focused on great outcomes. 100% customer satisfaction is more than words at Vision…it is our culture. We strive to provide the best solutions and services to meet our customer's needs, while providing a positive work environment that allows our Customer, Company and Employees to grow and succeed.
   Responsibilities Perform proper installation of copper and fiber cabling infrastructures under the supervision of the Lead Technician as per Vision Technologies' infrastructure installation procedures, EIA/TIA standards, and BICSI standards and requirements. Work as a team member to perform infrastructure installations. Understand reading floor plans. Report to Lead Technician any potential problem areas, which may adversely affect performance or quality. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required: • Technician must demonstrate good customer skills.
   • Technician must stay current with the latest technologies and installation procedures.
   • Technician must have a full understanding of the scope of work.
   • Technician must assist Project Leader in job layout and plan of execution.
   • Technician must have the ability to understand and accurately complete all paperwork required of a Project Leader.
   • Technician must be able to run small projects when required.
   • Technician must be fully competent of the Vision standard for quality installation craftsmanship and customer service excellence.
   • Technician must be fully competent at installation and termination of various copper and fiber products in accordance with TIA/EIA standards and BICSI standards.
   • Technician must be fully competent in testing and troubleshooting of copper and fiber cable plant systems in accordance with TIA/EIA standards and BICSI standards.
   • Technician must be fully competent at assembling, installing, and securing various cable trays, racks, and cabinets used in telecommunications closets.
   • Technician must understand the basic principles of grounding and bonding as described in the BICSI installation methods and must be capable of properly bonding cable trays and properly grounding racks, cable trays, etc.
   • Technician must be knowledgeable in the proper operation of all Vision's Cat5, Cat5E, Cat6 testers to include proper operation of the tester, properly saving test results and properly downloading and storing test results on the network.
   • Technician must be knowledgeable in the proper operation of Vision's fiber power meter testers to include proper operation of the tester, properly saving test results and properly downloading and storing test results on the network.
   • Technician must be knowledgeable in the proper operation of an OTDR to include proper operation of the OTDR, properly saving test results and properly downloading and storing the test results on the network.
   • Technician must be fully capable of interpreting test results from fiber and copper testers and successfully troubleshooting and properly repairing the fiber or copper cable plant to ultimately ensure a correct and valid test.
   • Technician must be detail oriented, analytical. Process and compliance focused Ability to work independent of direct supervision; self-starting; Team Player. Good organizational, written, and verbal skills (meticulous regarding documentation). Excellent people skills, customer oriented, willingness to help others. Positive and Proactive approach Willingness to travel. Strong work ethic and ability to have flexible work schedule. Qualifications
   Education: • High School Diploma or GED required • BICSI and industry Certifications are preferred Knowledge of fiber terms and troubleshooting is needed.
   • Ability to drive company vehicle throughout the day. • This position requires a background check and driver's license check. • Ability to lift various items is required, as well to stand for long periods of time and climb ladders.
   
   Physical Requirements: • The physical demands of this position are those that are necessary to meet the responsibilities and essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Must be able to lift 75lbs and climb ladders as required. Years of Experience: 1 - 3 Security Clearance: As needed
   Certifications: Preferred - BICSI Installer 1 Fiber or Copper, Industry manufacturer certifications, OSHA10 safety certification, Must complete OneSource Background screening prior to start.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right cable technician for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cable technician job on Zippia to find and recruit cable technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with cable technician candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cable technician

   Once you've decided on a perfect cable technician candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new cable technician first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a cable technician?