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Network cable installer vs tower technician

The differences between network cable installers and tower 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 $37,471 average annual salary of a tower technician.

The top three skills for a network cable installer include fiber optic, patch panels and switches. The most important skills for a tower technician are OSHA, CPR, and RF.

Network cable installer vs tower technician overview

Network Cable InstallerTower Technician
Yearly salary$42,246$37,471
Hourly rate$20.31$18.01
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs38,92192,566
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Network cable installer vs tower technician salary

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

Network Cable InstallerTower Technician
Average salary$42,246$37,471
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-SPX
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between network cable installer and tower technician education

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

Network Cable InstallerTower Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsBusiness
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico BayamonNew York University

Network cable installer vs tower technician demographics

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

Network Cable InstallerTower Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between network cable installer and tower 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.

Tower technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and make critical decisions in accordance with regulations for access and scheduling for certain private and federal FAA sites.
  • Hang and connect antenna's and TMA's.
  • Install grind rods and cad weld to form grind ring.
  • Complete several CPR and safety courses.
  • Remove old antennas and install new LTE antennas.
  • Get materials together, climb and rig towers.
  • Show more

Network cable installer vs tower technician skills

Common network cable installer skills
  • Fiber Optic, 17%
  • Patch Panels, 8%
  • Switches, 8%
  • CAT5, 7%
  • Trouble Shoot, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common tower technician skills
  • OSHA, 17%
  • CPR, 15%
  • RF, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • PIM, 4%

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