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Telecom Line Installers Job Overview

Telecom line installers install and repair lines and cables. They provide services such as cable television, telephone and Internet connections to customers. They construct new lines by erecting utility towers and poles, and digging underground trenches for the wires and cables. For this kind of work, telecom line installers need to use construction equipment like trenchers, cable plows, digger derricks and borers. Once the construction is complete, they string the cables along the poles or towers or through the tunnels and trenches.

Telecom Line Installers Schools and Degrees

Programs in telecommunications, electronics or electricity are offered by many technical and community colleges. Programs offering a 1-year certificate usually emphasize on fieldwork. More advanced 2-year associate’s degrees, which give students more in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications and electrical utilities technology, are also offered. These degree programs also include courses on electronics, electricity, microwave transmission and fiber optics.

The Society of Cable Television Engineers offers certification programs for line installers and repairers who are interested in working for the cable television industry. On job training is offered to those employed in cable television and telephone organizations. Interested candidates may also opt for online courses offered by unions, equipment manufacturers and industry training organizations.

Job Requirements

Telecom line installers need to have at least a high school diploma in order to enter the profession. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry, and good reading and writing skills are some of the basic requirements in this career. Employers tend to prefer candidates who graduated from a certificate or associate’s degree program.

Telecom and line installers should be able to understand instructions, write reports and solve technical problems. Good customer service skills and an aptitude for mechanics are highly valued. It is also important for telecom line installers to be physically fit and possess stamina, strength and coordination, since their job involves a lot of physical activity.

Nature of Work

Telecom line operators set up service for customers and install network equipment. They install a variety of network equipment and ensure cables are lined and wired properly. When setting up telephone and cable television lines, they install amplifiers and repeaters to maintain the strength of transmissions. Since telecom line operators need to climb high towers and poles, they should be able to balance and work in awkward positions. They may also need to travel long distances and work outdoors under a variety of weather conditions. Due to the physical nature of their jobs, telecom line installers are prone to various injuries. To minimize the danger, they should always follow safety procedures.

Telecom Line Installers Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, telecom line installers held about 162,000 jobs in the US. Employment in this sector is expected to grow by 6% in the next ten years. It is the highest in the following industries:

• Building Equipment Contractors
• Cable and Other Program Distribution
• Cable and Other Subscription Programming
• Utility System Construction
• Wired Telecommunications Carriers

The median hourly wage for telecom line installers in the US is about $22.25, while the mean annual wages are around $42,720.

Job Numbers and Growth

Telecom line installers in the US number about 162,000. Workers generally expect a high unemployment rate. There were about 4% of employees without jobs in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Where are jobs most numerous? Dover (Delaware), Amarillo (Texas), and Lima (Ohio). Least common? Tucson (Arizona), Hickory (North Carolina), and Gary (Indiana).

Salaries vary across the country, from highest in Glens Falls (New York), New York (New York), and Anchorage (Alaska) to lowest in Pensacola (Florida), Decatur (Illinois), and Visalia (California).

Training and Education

Obtaining long-term on-the-job training will help job seekers. Telecom line installers with four or more years of college are 8% of the total. An estimated 44% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 48% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Whether by choice or necessity, 2% of telecom line installers work part-time. About 3% of workers do not work for a company or organization.

Telecom Line Installers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin