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Network cable installer vs switch technician

The differences between network cable installers and switch technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switch technician has an average salary of $101,377, 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 switch technician are switches, routine maintenance, and T1.

Network cable installer vs switch technician overview

Network Cable InstallerSwitch Technician
Yearly salary$42,246$101,377
Hourly rate$20.31$48.74
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs38,92146,430
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 42%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Network cable installer vs switch technician salary

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

Network Cable InstallerSwitch Technician
Average salary$42,246$101,377
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $51,000Between $76,000 And $134,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between network cable installer and switch technician education

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

Network Cable InstallerSwitch Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 42%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico BayamonInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Network cable installer vs switch technician demographics

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

Network Cable InstallerSwitch Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%
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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between network cable installer and switch 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.

Switch technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage LAN as an administrator for NATO HQ network.
  • Assist in managing CDMA network, Voice/EVDO circuit's layouts, CDM circuit inventory and roll over's for cell sites.
  • Configure Veraz switch for TDM and IP services.
  • Coordinate installation, testing, and troubleshooting of transmission facilities (OC48, T3, T1, and DSO).
  • Work with management team to develop a comprehensive and successful IP and TDM base network infrastructure and unify communications plan.
  • Circuit switching (DMS-250 and Alcatel DEX-600E).
  • Show more

Network cable installer vs switch technician skills

Common network cable installer skills
  • Fiber Optic, 17%
  • Patch Panels, 8%
  • Switches, 8%
  • CAT5, 7%
  • Trouble Shoot, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common switch technician skills
  • Switches, 9%
  • Routine Maintenance, 7%
  • T1, 7%
  • RF, 6%
  • Technical Support, 4%
  • Trouble Tickets, 4%

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