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Network cable installer vs telecommunications technician

The differences between network cable installers and telecommunications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a network cable installer has an average salary of $42,246, which is higher than the $41,935 average annual salary of a telecommunications technician.

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

Network cable installer vs telecommunications technician overview

Network Cable InstallerTelecommunications Technician
Yearly salary$42,246$41,935
Hourly rate$20.31$20.16
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs38,92170,494
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Network cable installer vs telecommunications technician salary

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

Network Cable InstallerTelecommunications Technician
Average salary$42,246$41,935
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $51,000Between $31,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Nebraska Public Power District
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between network cable installer and telecommunications technician education

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

Network Cable InstallerTelecommunications Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
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 telecommunications technician demographics

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

Network Cable InstallerTelecommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%
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, 13.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between network cable installer and telecommunications 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.

Telecommunications technician example responsibilities.

  • Project complete while simultaneously managing VoIP project.
  • Install cable television, high-speed internet, routers, VOIP phone services, and data services to residential and commercial clients.
  • Provide technical and operational guidance and direction to the DoD customer in establishing and operating video teleconferencing systems.
  • Work with OSP to troubleshoot and repair faulty cable plant.
  • Terminate and install telecommunications cabling such as cat5E, fiber, and coaxial
  • Train call center personnel on use of CMS supervisor reports and agent monitoring.
  • Show more

Network cable installer vs telecommunications technician skills

Common network cable installer skills
  • Fiber Optic, 17%
  • Patch Panels, 8%
  • Switches, 8%
  • CAT5, 7%
  • Trouble Shoot, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common telecommunications technician skills
  • Broadband, 14%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Fiber Optic Cables, 6%
  • Telephone Systems, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Telecommunication, 5%

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