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For Educators: Military Resources

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Median Salary
64,640
Job Outlook
-15%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

88%

Self-employed

7%

State and local government

2%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 24,600 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,250

10%

$64,640

Median

$100,090

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    59%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    14%

  • Less than high school

    13%

  • Some college

    12%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Telecommunications
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Public Safety and Security

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.