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Network cable installer vs cable technician

The differences between network cable installers and cable technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cable technician has an average salary of $47,289, which is higher than the $42,246 average annual salary of a network cable installer.

The top three skills for a network cable installer include fiber optic, patch panels and switches. The most important skills for a cable technician are broadband, customer service, and ladders.

Network cable installer vs cable technician overview

Network Cable InstallerCable Technician
Yearly salary$42,246$47,289
Hourly rate$20.31$22.74
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs38,921120,249
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Network cable installer vs cable technician salary

Network cable installers and cable technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Network Cable InstallerCable Technician
Average salary$42,246$47,289
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $51,000Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City-Jackson, NJ
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Baker Hughes
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between network cable installer and cable technician education

There are a few differences between a network cable installer and a cable technician in terms of educational background:

Network Cable InstallerCable Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsBusiness
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico BayamonNew York University

Network cable installer vs cable technician demographics

Here are the differences between network cable installers' and cable technicians' demographics:

Network Cable InstallerCable Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between network cable installer and cable technician duties and responsibilities

Network cable installer example responsibilities.

  • Install cat5 cable into schools and buisnesses using ladders.
  • Install coaxial and CAT5 cable used for voice and data in various buildings statewide.
  • Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
  • Install Fios which involve internet, phone and cable.

Cable technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage projects wiring computer networks and phone systems, using Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and fiber optics.
  • Replace every existing cat-5 data and voice drop with cat-6 cabling and corresponding material.
  • Install cable boxes for cable and modems for computer Internet along with coax cable and CAT5 for phone lines.
  • Conduct on-site installations, correction and repair of clients' broadband service, equipment troubleshooting, and customer service and education
  • Climb ladders and gaff high utility poles to a height of approximately 25 feet, lifting and moving 80 pound ladders.
  • Install cat5 and cat6 for telecommunications
  • Show more

Network cable installer vs cable technician skills

Common network cable installer skills
  • Fiber Optic, 17%
  • Patch Panels, 8%
  • Switches, 8%
  • CAT5, 7%
  • Trouble Shoot, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common cable technician skills
  • Broadband, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Structured Cabling, 5%
  • TV, 5%

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