How To Become A Fiber Optic Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a fiber optic technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

If you want fast internet speeds, then you can't underestimate the importance of Fiber Optic Technicians. Fiber Optic Technicians lay down fiber-optic wiring that is essential to high-speed internet and television service. They maintain fiber optic cables by conducting regular maintenance using test equipment like fiber splicers, optical spectrum analyzers, and optical power meters.

Besides knowing the ins and outs of fiber optic technology, they also have to familiar with their state's code regulations. Fiber Optic Technicians are often involved in rigging operations, so sometimes you can find them handling heavy equipment on-site.

Working with the construction team means that they also have to demonstrate good interpersonal skills. Construction sites can be dangerous places, so Fiber Optic Technicians have to be constantly aware of their surroundings and follow safety codes to the letter. The average Fiber Optic Technician in the United States earns a yearly salary of $35,546 or $17.09 an hour.

ScoreFiber Optic TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $40,661

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%

Asian 3.34%

Black or African American 9.34%

Hispanic or Latino 20.90%

Unknown 5.99%

White 59.61%

Gender

female 10.24%

male 89.76%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a fiber optic technician

Explore fiber optic technician education requirements

Most common fiber optic technician degrees

Associate

31.3 %

High School Diploma

26.1 %

Bachelor's

23.9 %

Start to develop specific fiber optic technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Fiber Optic Cables	28.34%
Ladders	10.81%
Power Meters	8.25%
Test Equipment	7.49%
OTDR	5.83%

Complete relevant fiber optic technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New fiber optic technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a fiber optic technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real fiber optic technician resumes.

Gain additional fiber optic technician certifications

Fiber optic technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific fiber optic technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for fiber optic technicians include Fiber Optics Technician (FOTC) and Certified Fiber Optic Specialist (CFOS).

More About Certifications

Research fiber optic technician duties and responsibilities

DOT certify driver for bucket truck.
Install new ISP cable routes including inner duct and cabinets.
Install and maintain a tracking system using fiber optics, coax and Ethernet cables.
Install wireless access points throughout various facilities, climb poles and hang either ethernet cable or fiber-optic cable

Prepare your fiber optic technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fiber optic technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fiber optic technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable fiber optic technician resume templates

Build a professional fiber optic technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your fiber optic technician resume.