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What does an Installation Technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does an Installation Technician do

Installation technicians are responsible for handling and installing all types of electronic systems and equipment. An installation technician should be well-knowledgeable about the equipment complexity to conduct troubleshooting for system malfunction or provide necessary instructions for the customers. In some cases, installation technicians are required to conduct regular checks and maintenance to ensure that the system functions properly, upgrading, or replacing equipment for improvement. Installation technicians usually handle customer queries for the system and are expected to resolve issues through remote work or area visit.

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Installation technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real installation technician resumes:

  • Project manage the complete installation of power and floor space of Nortel wireless switches.
  • Install, manage, and troubleshoot CAT3, CAT5, CAT6, and fiber optic infrastructures throughout the greater Tulsa area.
  • Train to build and verify customer routers, TCP/IP addresses ad gateways.
  • Inspect buildings, interpret blueprints, and laid out cable lines for telephone, internet, and cable TV.
  • Install telecommunications equipment including fire-suppression systems, switches, routers, multiplexers and cable trays.
  • Switch include 25 DMS bays , 2 PDC's and all associate cables.
  • Perform cable management into IDF closets.
  • Help client troubleshoot problems with workstations.
  • Work in data centers and IDF closets.
  • Support for AVAYA phone systems at multiple locations.
  • Install home network via remote WiFi capabilities for home user.
  • Support management and sales staff corporate workstations, laptops, tablets.
  • Perform CLI leakage drive outs and repair issues per FCC regulations.
  • Install complete A/C units including duct work for residential and commercial properties.
  • Configure network for local and remote feeds and NAS or DVR recording.

Installation technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 19% of Installation Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Ladders, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Installation Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 19%

    Handled all customer service issues Developed procedures for start up operations for logistics, facilitated training program for other service technicians.

  • Ladders, 8%

    Perform elevated work safely utilizing extension ladders and scissor lift equipment.

  • Hand Tools, 8%

    Utilized experience of analyzing and comprehending units of measurement and operating power/hand tools to complete cabinet and closet system installations.

  • Work Ethic, 7%

    Maintained excellent working relationships between employer and customers through periodic contact, good work ethic and positive attitude toward customer satisfaction.

  • Broadband, 5%

    Installed broadband internet service in residential and commercial establishments* Opened and closed office for business* Processed customer payments* Performed service calls

  • GPS, 5%

    Installed GPS systems and mobile electronics in a wide range of rental vehicles for Hertz while utilizing my vehicle wiring knowledge.

Common skills that an installation technician uses to do their job include "customer service," "ladders," and "hand tools." You can find details on the most important installation technician responsibilities below.

Color vision. The most essential soft skill for an installation technician to carry out their responsibilities is color vision. This skill is important for the role because "telecom technicians work with color-coded wires, and they need to be able to tell them apart." Additionally, an installation technician resume shows how their duties depend on color vision: "provide exceptional customer service-install dish satellite television and broadband services-multitask in order to maximize productivity at each installation-troubleshoot and repair service calls"

Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling installation technician duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "telecom technicians’ tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." According to an installation technician resume, here's how installation technicians can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "install washers and dryers drive a 26ft box truck with dot permit manual with lift gate drive tri state. "

Mechanical skills. This is an important skill for installation technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how installation technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "telecom technicians must be familiar with the devices they install and repair, with their internal parts, and with the appropriate tools needed to use, install, or fix them." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an installation technician: "repaired and replaced mechanical and electrical components as needed on hvac units. ".

Troubleshooting skills. For certain installation technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "troubleshooting skills." The day-to-day duties of an installation technician rely on this skill, as "telecom technicians must be able to troubleshoot and devise solutions to problems that are not immediately apparent." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what installation technicians do: "performed site surveys, equipment installation, and troubleshooting at the homes of directv customers. "

Customer-service skills. A commonly-found skill in installation technician job descriptions, "customer-service skills" is essential to what installation technicians do. Installation technician responsibilities rely on this skill because "telecom technicians who work in customers’ homes and offices should be friendly and polite." You can also see how installation technician duties rely on customer-service skills in this resume example: "preformed customer location site surveys. "

See the full list of installation technician skills

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Compare different installation technicians

Installation technician vs. Broadband technician

A broadband technician specializes in installing and maintaining telecommunication systems such as telephone lines, broadband internet, and cable television. Their job usually entails traveling to different residential areas or business establishments to perform on-site installations, inspections, or disconnections. They respond to issues and concerns, inspect systems for damages, troubleshoot problems, fix or replace components, and maintain records. Moreover, a broadband technician also assists clients by answering inquiries, providing cost estimates, educating the clients about the situation, or refer other products or services when necessary.

The annual salary of broadband technicians is $3,144 higher than the average salary of installation technicians.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between installation technicians and broadband technicians are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like ladders, hand tools, and work ethic.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between installation technicians and broadband technician. For instance, installation technician responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "gps," "first hand," and "strong work ethic." Whereas a broadband technician is skilled in "tv," "electronic devices," "service changes," and "external customer service." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Broadband technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than installation technicians. In fact, broadband technicians are 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Installation technician vs. Low voltage technician

A low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately. They also conduct repairs for defective components and faulty wirings, recommending solutions and low-cost materials with high quality according to the customers' needs and budget limitations. A low voltage technician must have excellent electrical and organizational skills, especially in performing duties with utmost adherence to safety guidelines and procedures to prevent hazards and operational delays.

Low voltage technician positions earn higher pay than installation technician roles. They earn a $1,562 higher salary than installation technicians per year.A few skills overlap for installation technicians and low voltage technicians. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "ladders," "hand tools," and "hvac. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real installation technician resumes. While installation technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "work ethic," "broadband," and "gps," low voltage technicians use skills like "voltage systems," "snips," "switches," and "ip."

On average, low voltage technicians earn a higher salary than installation technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, low voltage technicians earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $46,465. Whereas installation technicians have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $40,149.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Low voltage technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than installation technicians. In fact, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Installation technician vs. Service technician

Service technicians are assigned in the field to address the concerns of their clients. Service technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, or repair of different units or items related to their company's products or services. They should be familiar with their company's products so that they can properly install, maintain, or repair them. They conduct diagnostics and analysis to assess the condition of the unit they are servicing and properly address problems. They also do routine maintenance check-ups. Service technicians are expected to be trustworthy, have good analytical skills, and have good decision-making skills.

An average service technician eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of installation technicians. The difference in salaries amounts to service technicians earning a $2,336 higher average salary than installation technicians.By looking over several installation technicians and service technicians resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "customer service," "ladders," and "hand tools." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an installation technician is likely to be skilled in "broadband," "gps," "first hand," and "hvac," while a typical service technician is skilled in "preventative maintenance," "cdl," "patients," and "safety procedures."

Service technicians make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $44,255. On the other hand, installation technicians are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $40,149.When it comes to education, service technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to installation technicians. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Installation technician vs. Fire alarm technician

A fire alarm technician is an individual who installs, operates, and maintains the fire alarm systems of a building. Fire alarm technicians must inspect and repair heat detectors and sprinkler heads as well as test the building's fire alarm systems using appropriate diagnostic programs and equipment. They are required to review electrical layout blueprints to determine whether the fire alarm systems comply with the electrical and fire safety codes. Fire alarm technicians must also communicate with clients to ensure that all fire alarm systems are installed and working properly.

Fire alarm technicians typically earn higher pay than installation technicians. On average, fire alarm technicians earn a $4,722 higher salary per year.According to resumes from installation technicians and fire alarm technicians, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "customer service," "ladders," and "hand tools. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An installation technician uses "work ethic," "broadband," "gps," and "first hand." Fire alarm technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "fire protection," "nfpa," "technical support," and "scaffolding. "The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for fire alarm technicians, with average annual pay of $56,798. Comparatively, the highest installation technician annual salary comes from the finance industry.fire alarm technicians reach similar levels of education compared to installation technicians, in general. The difference is that they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of installation technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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