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Communications technician vs cable installation technician

The differences between communications technicians and cable installation 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 $39,725 average annual salary of a cable installation technician.

The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a cable installation technician are customer service, hand tools, and TV.

Communications technician vs cable installation technician overview

Communications TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Yearly salary$52,222$39,725
Hourly rate$25.11$19.10
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs125,69890,389
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4542
Years of experience-2

What does a communications technician do?

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.

What does a cable installation technician do?

The primary duties of a cable installation technician involve the installation, repair, and maintenance of residential cabling for television and internet services. Cable installation technicians service and sets up equipment and devices that carry signals like wiring, TV cable boxes, and internet routers. They provide support management actions requiring the establishment and maintenance of the combat effectiveness of electronic and electrical equipment. Also, they utilize product knowledge and communication skills in educating customers in using Comcast materials, equipment, and services.

Communications technician vs cable installation technician salary

Communications technicians and cable installation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Average salary$52,222$39,725
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $91,000Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, ORBinghamton, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonConnecticut
Best paying companyPacifiGPAC
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between communications technician and cable installation technician education

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

Communications TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Communications technician vs cable installation technician demographics

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

Communications TechnicianCable Installation Technician
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 5.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between communications technician and cable installation technician duties and responsibilities

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Cable installation technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform CATV installations, disconnects and troubleshooting reception from house back to node.
  • Install CAT5 cabling in ceilings and pull to be patch in data closet.
  • Install, and fabricate fiber optic cable, coaxial, CAT3 and CAT5 cable.
  • Travele to customer locations and assist the CATV technician in installation and setup of cable systems.
  • Design, install, repair, and maintain broadband communication systems, for network, computer, and/or telephone systems.
  • Construct, configure and install one Sony CCTV security camera for identification purposes outside of the base commander's office.
  • Show more

Communications technician vs cable installation technician skills

Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%
Common cable installation technician skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • TV, 11%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Broadband, 6%
  • Remedy, 6%

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