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What does a systems installer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
What does a systems installer do
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Systems installer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems installer resumes:

  • Develop and lead training programs in preparation for combat.
  • Maintain test equipment and troubleshoot electronic circuits to component level.
  • Work with alarm systems, fix (services) (Honeywell, GE, DSC , 2GIG, etc.
  • Install residential and commercial CCTV systems.
  • Install doors and windows, put obs on outside of unit
  • Install RF antennas and secure communications lines to provide support.
  • Install and rout PVC piping for purposes of system drainage.
  • Experience in designing, implementing and supporting Cisco VoIP technologies.
  • Perform troubleshooting duties for network cabling for new VOIP connections.
  • Install PC base desktops and laptops and install new Ethernet network.
  • Connect existing drops, power passing at taps, verify voltages.
  • Train in all areas of commercial installations of HVAC systems for this contractor.
  • Complete circuit with cross connect wires and taping of IDF cable on frame.
  • Provide plumbing services using PVC and various fittings, including lateral and water lines.
  • Install appropriate devices; dismantle and reconstruct equipment as required by customer and ADT.

Systems installer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Systems Installers are proficient in HVAC, Telephone Systems, and Fiber Optic Cables. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Dexterity, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Systems Installers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • HVAC, 9%

    Remove and install HVAC, Geothermal and Water Furnace systems in homes and light commercial buildings.

  • Telephone Systems, 9%

    Conducted in-house telephone systems installation for an international exercise.

  • Fiber Optic Cables, 8%

    Installed E-Node B, Tower Antenna jumpers, Fiber optic cables, Punched down 66 Blocks for alarms and Installed Cat.

  • Fire Alarms, 5%

    Planed security/fire alarm installations by surveying and evaluating location; identifying alarm installation requirements; laying-out equipment and wiring plan.

  • Alarm Systems, 5%

    Installed, maintained, repaired and troubleshoot security and fire alarm systems, wiring alarm devices and related equipment.

  • System Installation, 5%

    Completed audio/visual security system installations, including systems that operated via the wireless network.

Most systems installers use their skills in "hvac," "telephone systems," and "fiber optic cables" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential systems installer responsibilities here:

Color vision. One of the key soft skills for a systems installer to have is color vision. You can see how this relates to what systems installers do because "telecom technicians work with color-coded wires, and they need to be able to tell them apart." Additionally, a systems installer resume shows how systems installers use color vision: "installed the following: data network cabling infrastructure business phone systems closed circuit television systems home security systems fire alarm systems"

Dexterity. Many systems installer duties rely on dexterity. "telecom technicians’ tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.," so a systems installer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems installer responsibilities rely on dexterity: "supervised and provided hands on assistance to technicians installing and maintaining various types of communications equipment. "

Customer-service skills. systems installers are also known for customer-service skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems installer responsibilities, because "telecom technicians who work in customers’ homes and offices should be friendly and polite." A systems installer resume example shows how customer-service skills is used in the workplace: "implemented control systems and educated customers on use of systems. "

Mechanical skills. systems installer responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "telecom technicians must be familiar with the devices they install and repair, with their internal parts, and with the appropriate tools needed to use, install, or fix them." This resume example shows what systems installers do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "lead hvac and mechanical systems installer in commercial and residential settings. "

Troubleshooting skills. Another common skill required for systems installer responsibilities is "troubleshooting skills." This skill comes up in the duties of systems installers all the time, as "telecom technicians must be able to troubleshoot and devise solutions to problems that are not immediately apparent." An excerpt from a real systems installer resume shows how this skill is central to what a systems installer does: "adhered to blueprint layouts assembled and installed solar modules/electrical systems customer service/troubleshooting"

Most common systems installer skills

The three companies that hire the most systems installers are:

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Compare different systems installers

Systems installer vs. Tower technician

A tower technician is responsible for maintaining the performance stability of line towers to provide the best network services for the customers. Tower technicians are often out in the field to conduct repairs and installations for the customers, inspecting the area's condition, and reporting structural inconsistencies and defects. They should have excellent mechanical and electrical knowledge to resolve issues immediately and create resolution manuals to prevent reoccurrence and ensure the safeness and security of line towers.

If we compare the average systems installer annual salary with that of a tower technician, we find that tower technicians typically earn a $2,124 lower salary than systems installers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between systems installers and tower technicians are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like fiber optic cables, test equipment, and rf.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, systems installer responsibilities require skills like "hvac," "telephone systems," "fire alarms," and "alarm systems." Meanwhile a typical tower technician has skills in areas such as "osha," "cpr," "hand tools," and "safety procedures." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Tower technicians tend to make the most money working in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $39,462. In contrast, systems installers make the biggest average salary, $52,453, in the telecommunication industry.tower technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than systems installers. In fact, tower technicians are 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Systems installer vs. Tower climber

Tower Climbers are professionals who are responsible for performing comprehensive installations, inspections, and maintenance on cell towers, self-supporting towers, and other tower transmitter systems. These climbers are required to complete tower safety courses so that they can climb communication towers to assist crews in repairing and inspecting communication boxes. They must operate heavy equipment to prepare sites for the construction and erection of communication towers. Tower Climbers should also guarantee the safety of their crews during extreme weather conditions by following company policies and procedures.

A career as a tower climber brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a systems installer. In fact, tower climbers salary is $1,653 higher than the salary of systems installers per year.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems installer resumes. While systems installer responsibilities can utilize skills like "hvac," "telephone systems," "fiber optic cables," and "fire alarms," tower climbers use skills like "cpr," "osha," "broadband," and "safety equipment."

Tower climbers earn a higher average salary than systems installers. But tower climbers earn the highest pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $46,623. Additionally, systems installers earn the highest salaries in the telecommunication with average pay of $52,453 annually.In general, tower climbers achieve similar levels of education than systems installers. They're 3.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems installer vs. Tower hand

A tower hand is an individual who climbs towers or poles to install, repair, and perform routine maintenance on electrical equipment. Tower hands are required to climb up very tall structures to perform maintenance on equipment such as power lines, cell tower components, or radio antenna equipment. They must perform audits on their climbing equipment so that they can determine the quality of their equipment as well as avoid defects. Tower hands must be competent climbers so that they can safely climb towers while carrying heavy equipment.

On average scale, tower hands bring in lower salaries than systems installers. In fact, they earn a $628 lower salary per year.By looking over several systems installers and tower hands resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "fiber optic cables," "rf," and "auxiliary equipment." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a systems installer is likely to be skilled in "hvac," "telephone systems," "fire alarms," and "alarm systems," while a typical tower hand is skilled in "cpr," "osha," "demolition," and "hand tools."

Most tower hands achieve a similar degree level compared to systems installers. For example, they're 3.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems installer vs. Broadband technician

A broadband technician specializes in installing and maintaining telecommunication systems such as telephone lines, broadband internet, and cable television. Their job usually entails traveling to different residential areas or business establishments to perform on-site installations, inspections, or disconnections. They respond to issues and concerns, inspect systems for damages, troubleshoot problems, fix or replace components, and maintain records. Moreover, a broadband technician also assists clients by answering inquiries, providing cost estimates, educating the clients about the situation, or refer other products or services when necessary.

Broadband technicians average a higher salary than the annual salary of systems installers. The difference is about $1,592 per year.While both systems installers and broadband technicians complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like service calls, windows, and test equipment, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "hvac," "telephone systems," "fiber optic cables," and "fire alarms" are skills that commonly show up on systems installer resumes. On the other hand, broadband technicians use skills like broadband, work ethic, tv, and ladders on their resumes.broadband technicians reach similar levels of education compared to systems installers, in general. The difference is that they're 2.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of systems installer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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