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Fiber optic technician vs linesman

The differences between fiber optic technicians and linesmen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a linesman has an average salary of $70,929, which is higher than the $40,661 average annual salary of a fiber optic technician.

The top three skills for a fiber optic technician include fiber optic cables, ladders and power meters. The most important skills for a linesman are underground cables, fiber optic, and customer service.

Fiber optic technician vs linesman overview

Fiber Optic TechnicianLinesman
Yearly salary$40,661$70,929
Hourly rate$19.55$34.10
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs103,3641,554
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4539
Years of experience--

Fiber optic technician vs linesman salary

Fiber optic technicians and linesmen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fiber Optic TechnicianLinesman
Average salary$40,661$70,929
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $51,000Between $46,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between fiber optic technician and linesman education

There are a few differences between a fiber optic technician and a linesman in terms of educational background:

Fiber Optic TechnicianLinesman
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Fiber optic technician vs linesman demographics

Here are the differences between fiber optic technicians' and linesmen' demographics:

Fiber Optic TechnicianLinesman
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 89.8% Female, 10.2%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 1.2% White, 74.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between fiber optic technician and linesman duties and responsibilities

Fiber optic technician example 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
  • Work with heavy duty equipment and small tools in the installation, repair and maintenance of OSP facilities.
  • Work with a small team of ISP providers to offer and install internet connections to homes and business.
  • Show more

Linesman example responsibilities.

  • Work as part of a team running HV and MV lines throughout the island.
  • Set up cranes at work location and establish a control access zone to prevent injury to others on the job site.
  • Gain experience using backhoes, trenchers, and cable pulling equipment.
  • Serve as an active member in the company HSE program with stellar participation in all meetings and outside courses present.
  • Erect self-supporting towers, inspect towers, install, troubleshoot and replace tower lights.

Fiber optic technician vs linesman skills

Common fiber optic technician skills
  • Fiber Optic Cables, 28%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Power Meters, 8%
  • Test Equipment, 7%
  • OTDR, 6%
  • RF, 3%
Common linesman skills
  • Underground Cables, 20%
  • Fiber Optic, 19%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Overhead Lines, 13%
  • Truck Inspections, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 8%

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