Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
SOC: 49-2022 O*NET: 49-2022.00
Median Salary
$62,630
per year
Job Growth
📉 -4.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
13.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
What does a Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$42,440
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,580
25th percentile
Median
$62,630
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,040
75th percentile
Top Earners
$94,970
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$42,440
25th
$50,580
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,630
Mean: $66,650
75th
$80,040
90th
$94,970
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $52,530 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,580 and $80,040
- •Salary spread is 47.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 153,890 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:156,900
Top Industries
Information68.5%
Telecommunications67.6%
Construction13.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-4.2%
Annual Openings:13,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)156,900
Current
2034 (Projected)150,400
-4.2%
-6,600
Employment Change
-4.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
17,190 jobs$57,3901.24x
California
15,240 jobs$74,5800.85x
Florida
10,780 jobs$61,4301.10x
New York
8,460 jobs$58,7600.89x
Georgia
7,100 jobs$58,6001.47x
Illinois
6,580 jobs$64,7701.09x
North Carolina
5,770 jobs$61,8301.18x
Michigan
5,180 jobs$59,9901.18x
Pennsylvania
4,990 jobs$67,2300.83x
Ohio
3,840 jobs$62,0100.70x
Washington
3,680 jobs$73,1401.04x
Alabama
3,360 jobs$57,8701.61x
Colorado
3,300 jobs$66,4101.15x
Missouri
3,200 jobs$61,5101.10x
Virginia
3,150 jobs$65,7500.78x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Troubleshooting
100%
#2
Repairing
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
80%
#5
Operations Monitoring
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Equipment Maintenance
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Reading Comprehension
40%
Skills Overview
Troubleshooting
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate4.0
80%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Avionics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay82%
5 shared skills
Robotics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Home Appliance Repairers82%
5 shared skills
Wind Turbine Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Repairing
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Repairing
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (2)General Responsibilities (12)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Communication & Coordination (2)Training & Development (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution100% perform100%
2
Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform84%
10
Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.36
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.30
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.25
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.24
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.11
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.07
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Self-Control
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Concern for Others
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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