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Network cable installer vs communications technician

The differences between network cable installers 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 $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 communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Network cable installer vs communications technician overview

Network Cable InstallerCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$42,246$52,222
Hourly rate$20.31$25.11
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs38,921125,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Network cable installer vs communications technician salary

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

Network Cable InstallerCommunications Technician
Average salary$42,246$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Pacifi
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between network cable installer and communications technician education

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

Network Cable InstallerCommunications Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico BayamonStanford University

Network cable installer vs communications technician demographics

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

Network Cable InstallerCommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
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, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between network cable installer and communications 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.

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Network cable installer vs communications technician skills

Common network cable installer skills
  • Fiber Optic, 17%
  • Patch Panels, 8%
  • Switches, 8%
  • CAT5, 7%
  • Trouble Shoot, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%

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