Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between fiber optic splicers and communications 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 $44,077 average annual salary of a fiber optic splicer.
The top three skills for a fiber optic splicer include hand tools, ladders and OTDR. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Fiber Optic Splicer | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $44,077 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $21.19 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 64,017 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A fiber optic splicer specializes in installing and repairing fiber optic cables in telecommunication lines. Among their responsibilities include providing customer assistance by answering inquiries, troubleshooting problems, implementing systems, and assisting customers in setting up their devices. There are also instances where they must install cable lines, work together with construction crews and linemen, and perform maintenance checks. Moreover, a fiber optic splicer typically works with a team, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.
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.
Fiber optic splicers and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fiber Optic Splicer | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $44,077 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $67,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a fiber optic splicer and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Fiber Optic Splicer | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between fiber optic splicers' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Fiber Optic Splicer | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.0% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 Percentage | 4% | 6% |