What is Fiber Optic?
Fiber optic is a technology used for the super-fast transmission of information as pulses of light over long distances. It is achieved to optical fiber wires, which are almost as thin as human hair and is made from glass or plastic. Fiber optic technology is generally used for providing super-fast internet and mobile networking services.
How is Fiber Optic used?
Zippia reviewed thousands of resumes to understand how fiber optic is used in different jobs. Explore the list of common job responsibilities related to fiber optic below:
- Provided sub-contract work Michelin Tire installing cat6, fiber optics, which included testing terminating and labeling in the industrial setting.
- Assigned duties as Lead I Supervisory Technician in the contractual installation of voice, data, and fiber optic transmission lines
- Installed and maintained cross connect box's, building terminals, OSP cabling, fiber optics and Cat 5 cabling.
- Installed over 2 miles of fiber optic cabling for 20 parking lot security cameras at University of Phoenix Stadium.
- Install backbone wiring in commercial buildings for both outside plant and inside consisting of copper and fiber optic cable.
- Install communication cable (Cat-6, Cat-5e, and Fiber Optics) in new and existing commercial buildings.
Are Fiber Optic skills in demand?
Yes, fiber optic skills are in demand today. Currently, 5,248 job openings list fiber optic skills as a requirement. The job descriptions that most frequently include fiber optic skills are lead cable technician, communication service technician, and network cable installer.
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What jobs can you get with Fiber Optic skills?
You can get a job as a lead cable technician, communication service technician, and network cable installer with fiber optic skills. After analyzing resumes and job postings, we identified these as the most common job titles for candidates with fiber optic skills.
Communication Service Technician
- Fiber Optic
- Social Services
- Equipment Installation
- AC
- Communication Equipment
- Community Resources
Communications Equipment Installer
- Hand Tools
- Fiber Optic
- Ladders
- Telecommunication
- Patch Panels
- Data Communications Equipment
Structured Cabling Technician
Job description:
A structured cabling technician builds infrastructure for local area networks, wide area networks, and cable television networks. They visit clients' homes or offices to install cabling that supports infrastructure. They often work overtime, and they may be required to work in hazardous conditions.
- Structured Cabling
- Fiber Optic
- Hand Tools
- Ladders
- OSHA
- Test Equipment
Communications Technician
Job description:
A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
- Customer Service
- Rehabilitation
- Hand Tools
- Fiber Optic
- Patch Panels
- Telephone Systems
Senior Telecommunication Technician
- Technical Support
- Fiber Optic
- Avaya
- VoIP
- PBX
- Telephone Systems
Outside Plant Engineer
Job description:
The job of an outside plant engineer revolves around design, constructing, and maintaining plant infrastructure, engineering, and conducting route analysis of aerial and underground fiber-optic installations. Typical day-to-day duties include assisting clients in resolving issues when they arise, developing engineering plans, schedules, and costs relevant to the projects, and providing guidance on telecommunication issues. As an outside plant engineer, you need to ensure the proper installation of the infrastructure and the availability of fiber cable storage, access, and termination equipment.
- CAD
- Outside Plant
- OSP
- Fiber Optic
- Plant Engineering
- GIS
Cryptological Technical Maintenance Technician
- Corrective Maintenance
- Fiber Optic
- Servers
- Security Clearance
- Cryptologic
- RF
Installation & Maintenance Technician
- HVAC
- Equipment Installation
- Test Equipment
- Fiber Optic
- Telephone Services
- Preventive Maintenance
Senior Installation Technician
- Technical Support
- HVAC
- Security Systems
- Switches
- Fiber Optic
- PC
Equipment Installer
- Plumbing
- Hand Tools
- HVAC
- Electrical Equipment
- Fiber Optic
- Electrical Systems
How much can you earn with Fiber Optic skills?
You can earn up to $38,948 a year with fiber optic skills if you become a lead cable technician, the highest-paying job that requires fiber optic skills. Communication service technicians can earn the second-highest salary among jobs that use Python, $33,315 a year.
| Job title | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Cable Technician | $38,948 | $19 |
| Communication Service Technician | $33,315 | $16 |
| Network Cable Installer | $42,246 | $20 |
| Communications Equipment Installer | $42,455 | $20 |
| Network Installer | $57,320 | $28 |
Companies using Fiber Optic in 2025
The top companies that look for employees with fiber optic skills are Navy Mutual, CCI Systems, and Dycom Industries. In the millions of job postings we reviewed, these companies mention fiber optic skills most frequently.
| Rank | Company | % of all skills | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Navy Mutual | 42% | 0 |
| 2 | CCI Systems | 9% | 494 |
| 3 | Dycom Industries | 5% | 16 |
| 4 | MasTec | 5% | 1,315 |
| 5 | Shentel | 4% | 262 |
Departments using Fiber Optic
The departments that use fiber optic the most are engineering, it, and construction.
| Department | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering | $79,619 |
| IT | $79,448 |
| Construction | $63,838 |
6 courses for Fiber Optic skills
1. Introduction To Fiber Optic Cabling
For years there has been a need for that faster internet connection. People rely on the internet for almost everything, information/research, streaming movies from popular services like netflix or hulu, online gaming, even with mobile phones there is a need for that faster connection. Fiber Optics is the answer! Our old copper based cabling simply wont support the speeds and data capacity needed this day in age. Big companies such as AT & T/Verizon & even the U. S. Government have invested in updating our old copper cabling to Fiber Optic Cabling. So why is it not everywhere? After investing billions in upgrading our old copper cabling to fiber cabling the communications industry realized the man power simply isn't there to install it fast enough. What does this mean? It means there are a lot of jobs out there in this field, the need for fiber optic professionals is high. I am here to teach you the basics of fiber optics. A lot of this course is based off of the curriculum I teach at the University of Riverside that gives students a CFOT(Certified Fiber Optic Technician) Certificate from the FOA(Fiber Optics Association). This course is intended for anyone who wants to learn the basics of fiber optics, maybe you are curious about the buzz around fiber optics, or maybe you are a systems administrator and IT manager that wants to gain knowledge of fiber optics. Whatever the case, this course is for you!...
2. Optical Fiber - الألياف البصرية
الهدف من هذه الدورة هو توضيح المفاهيم التالية وكيفية استخدامها وماهي الأجزاء الرئيسية لكابل الألياف الضوئية 1- Snell's law - قانون سنلa. Critical Angle - الزاوية الحرجةb. Total reflections - الانعكاس الكليc. Refraction index - معامل الانكسارd. Reflection - الانعكاسe. Refraction - الانكسارf. Numerical Apertureg. Coreh. Claddingi. Vacuum refraction index - معامل انكسار الفلراغj. Light speed - سرعة الضوء2- Modesa. Maxell 's Equations - معادلات ماكسويل3- Waveguides4- Light sources - مصادر الضوء5- Single mode and multimode6- Attenuations - الاضمحلالa. Scattering loss - الاتشتتb. Absorption loss - الامتصاصc. Attenuations windows7- Dispersionsa. Model dispersionsb. Chromatic dispersioni. Zero dispersionii. Non- zero dispersion shifted fibrec. Polarisation mode dispersion8- Total lossesa. Splicing lossesb. Connector lossesc. Micro bending lossesd. Macro bending losses9- Optical return losses10- Mechanical partsa. Patch panelb. Patch cordsc. Pigtailsd. Joint boxese. Optical fibre cablei. Indoorii. Outdoor1. Submarine2. OPGWiii. Numbers of coresiv. Drum lengths...
3. Fiber Optics Splicing and Termination Part 1
This course provides skills needed in fiber optics splicing and termination. The course helps individuals understand different testing methods as well as basic theory needed to understand fiber optics. In this course we shall look at different connector types, cleaning tools used in splicing. Also in general we shall understand the different types of tools used in splicing and termination...
4. Optical Fiber Transmission Networks Using DWDM Technology
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical multiplexing technology used to increase bandwidth over existing fiber networks. DWDM works by combining and transmitting multiple signals simultaneously at different wavelengths on the same fiber. The technology creates multiple virtual fibers, thus multiplying the capacity of the physical medium. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is a key component of the world's communications infrastructure. The tremendous growth in telecommunications services is possible today in part through optical networks, where DWDM systems allow much greater bandwidth over existing optical systems. For anyone involved with telecommunication and information technology, understanding this technology is a critical requirement. So for those who aspire to start career in telecom companies, it is quite rewarding to invest in the DWDM technology. For those already working in telecom companies providing different data and voice service, this will enhance their portfolio and career prospects. This DWDM training is comprehensive and indepth, so that you may get started with this DWDM technology as soon as possible. This course is designed to provide you with necessary functional knowledge possible in shortest possible time. Upon completion of this DWDM training course, the attendees will be able to: Understand the basics of DWDMArchitecture of DWDM systemHow DWDM networking is done Wavelength spectrum for DWDM and Gray OpticsCWDM Vs DWDMMain components of DWDM systemsTranspondersEDFA Optical AmplifiersRAMAN Optical AmplifiersOptical Add Drop MultiplexersOptical Fiber Communication fundamentals to understand DWDM systemsVarious Types of Optical channel Impairments and dispersionsOptical link BudgetFlexible Grid DWDM systemsReconfigurable Add Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs)Static ROADMSColorless ROADMSColorless Distortionless ROADMS Colorless Distortionless Contentionless ROADMS...
5. IT network cabling: The complete fiber optics course
Finally! The fiber optic course you've been asking for, brought to you by an instructor with more than 25 years of experience in the Information Communication Technology industry, all on one ultra-convenient platform! Gone are the days where fiber optics are seen as a dark and mythical art only meant for the select few. This course will teach you everything you need to know to start a career in an industry that's been showing consistent and explosive growth over the last years, or even start your own business in what is proven to be a very lucrative sector of the ICT industry. Lessons are always backed up by practical "real world" examples that you will not find in any technical manual and that can be applied immediately and successfully. You walk away from this with actual usable knowledge! No stone is left unturned. We teach you the COMPLETE skill set you need to make a success in this incredibly popular and lucrative field! Fiber optic communications technology is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, and with constant development has become the standard way of linking end-users and networks, as well as bringing broadband internet and related services to homes and businesses with the incredibly prolific FTTH(Fiber to The Home) technology. This course is designed with a wide range of audiences in mind, from the newly minted technician starting up in the industry, to well versed and experienced network admins that want to sharpen their skills and are looking for a deeper understanding of the technologies behind fiber optics and communicating using light as a carrier of data. All levels of experience are catered for, and all questions, technical or otherwise will be answered by responsive helpful experts in the relevant fields. So what are you waiting for? Join us on an incredibly satisfying and interesting journey where we quite literally communicate at the speed of light!......... Fiber OpticsFibre OpticsNetwork InfrastructureNetworkingCableCablingFTTHFiber To The Home...
6. Optical Fiber Access Networks Using PON/FTTH
Passive Optical Network, known as PON, rely on fiber optic cables to deliver video, data and voice signals. Gigabit PON (GPON) networks are currently the leading form of Passive Optical Networks (PONs). Compared to the standard copper wire in most distribution networks, GPON networks are 95% more energy efficient - they use economical light signalization over fiber optic cable, as opposed to electrical signals over copper and coaxial cable. In addition to efficiency, Gigabyte Passive Optical Networks provide a low cost solution to adding new users by using optical splitters, which makes it easy to add and manage new customers, making GPON networks very desirable in populated areas. So for those who aspire to start career in telecom companies, it is quite rewarding to invest in the PON technology. For those already working in telecom companies providing broadband service, this will enhance their portfolio and career prospects. This PON training is comprehensive and indepth, so that you may get started with this PON technology as soon as possible. This course is designed to provide you with necessary functional knowledge possible in shortest possible time. Upon completion of this PON/FTTx training course, the attendees will be able to:-Describe what PON/FTTx is-Describe what GPON networking is-Describe GPON Network Architecture-Outline GPON Basic Concepts-Outline GPON Applications/use cases-Application of GPON in 5G-List the advantages, requirements and capabilities of GPON-Describe GPON typical application scenarios-Describe the key concepts in GPON-Explain GPON operational procedures-Explain GPON Frame structure...