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Communications technician lead vs communications technician

The differences between communications technician leads and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician lead has an average salary of $113,656, which is higher than the $52,222 average annual salary of a communications technician.

The top three skills for a communications technician lead include troubleshoot, hand tools and communications plan. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Communications technician lead vs communications technician overview

Communications Technician LeadCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$113,656$52,222
Hourly rate$54.64$25.11
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs111,154125,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

What does a communications technician lead do?

The job of a communications technician lead is to install, maintain, and service various telephone equipment. Communications technician leads install both data and voice communication circuits and limited video transmission aspects. These leads utilize specialized telecommunication tools and hand tools during equipment installation. They collaborate with a certain team to troubleshoot issues associated with cables and communications. The professionals need to acquire extensive knowledge in the use of technical publications, schematics, diagrams, and troubleshooting.

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.

Communications technician lead vs communications technician salary

Communications technician leads and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications Technician LeadCommunications Technician
Average salary$113,656$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $165,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Pacifi
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between communications technician lead and communications technician education

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

Communications Technician LeadCommunications Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Communications technician lead vs communications technician demographics

Here are the differences between communications technician leads' and communications technicians' demographics:

Communications Technician LeadCommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 85.9% Female, 14.1%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between communications technician lead and communications technician duties and responsibilities

Communications technician lead example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Train soldiers on the procedures for secure radio and PC communications.
  • Assist in design and installation of this business's LAN system, expand network for VoIP, and wireless access points.
  • Conduct analysis in determining business process improvements for corporate telecommunication infrastructure.
  • Assist with and refer troubles on DS3 and OC3 level issues to fiber technicians.
  • Perform as liaison with Verizon for installation of T1s, DS3 circuits, and respond to requests for proposals.
  • Show more

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

Communications technician lead vs communications technician skills

Common communications technician lead skills
  • Troubleshoot, 37%
  • Hand Tools, 34%
  • Communications Plan, 8%
  • RF, 3%
  • Technical Support, 2%
  • Test Equipment, 2%
Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%

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