Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers: Roles, Examples, and Training Requirements
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers, are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining various types of communication equipment and networks. Their job involves ensuring that communication equipment, such as routers, modems, and switches, is functioning properly and identifying and troubleshooting technical issues.
Examples of Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
The job of a telecommunications equipment installer and repairer can vary depending on the specific type of equipment they work on and the organization they are employed with. Some common examples of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers include:
- Cable installers: These professionals are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining cable television, internet, and phone lines in residential and commercial buildings.
- Satellite technicians: Satellite technicians install and troubleshoot satellite TV and internet equipment and systems.
- Radio mechanics: Radio mechanics specialize in installing and repairing radio communication equipment, such as two-way radios, walkie-talkies, and CB radios.
- Wireless network technicians: Wireless network technicians are responsible for installing and configuring wireless routers and access points in homes and businesses.
Education and Training Requirements
Most employers require telecommunications equipment installers and repairers to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and may prefer individuals with postsecondary education in electronics or a related field. Vocational schools and community colleges offer programs in electronics and telecommunications technology that can provide candidates with the necessary skills to become a telecommunications equipment installer and repairer.
Many telecommunications equipment installers and repairers receive on-the-job training from their employer, which can last several months. This training provides candidates with a detailed understanding of the specific equipment and systems they will be working on, as well as safety procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
Progression and Advancement
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers can progress in their career through various means. Some may gain experience and knowledge in a specific specialty, such as wireless networking or satellite installation, and advance to higher positions within their current organization. Others may choose to pursue additional education and training and move into management or technical leadership roles within the telecommunications industry.
Getting Started in the Field
If you are interested in becoming a telecommunications equipment installer and repairer, there are several ways to get started. Consider enrolling in an electronics or telecommunications technology program at a vocational school or community college. Look for open positions in telecommunications companies and apply for entry-level positions, such as cable installer or wireless network technician, to gain experience and training in the field.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (National Average) | Salary (Best Paid Geography) | Salary (Least Paid Geography) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Level 04 | $45,718.40 | $46,259.20 (Full-time) | $40,560.00 | |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Level 05 | $47,444.80 | $47,777.60 (Full-time) | $47,216.00 | |
| Level 06 | $67,454.40 | $67,454.40 (Full-time) | $68,556.80 | ||
| Level 07 | $72,904.00 | $72,904.00 (Full-time) | $68,307.20 | ||
| Not able to be leveled | $56,721.60 | $57,428.80 (Full-time) | $61,214.40 | ||
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Entry | $45,198.40 | $46,176.00 (Full-time) | N/A | |
| Experienced | $71,905.60 | $71,905.60 (Full-time) | N/A | ||
| Union | All levels | $79,123.20 | $83,449.60 (Ohio) | $75,275.20 | |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Nonunion | All levels | $55,681.60 | $47,382.40 (Texas) | $51,875.20 |
| Full-time | All levels | $62,358.40 | $67,454.40 (Level 06) | $62,192.00 | |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Full-time | Level 04 | $46,259.20 | N/A | $40,643.20 |
| Full-time | Level 05 | $47,777.60 | N/A | $47,382.40 | |
| Full-time | Not able to be leveled | $57,428.80 | N/A | $61,568.00 | |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Full-time | Entry | $46,176.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Full-time | Experienced | $71,905.60 | N/A | N/A | |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Time-based pay | All levels | $61,526.40 | N/A | $63,315.20 |
| Incentive-based pay | All levels | $62,462.40 | N/A | N/A | |
| Ohio | Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Union | $83,449.60 | N/A | $78,312.00 |
| Texas | Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | Nonunion | $47,382.40 | $47,382.40 | $49,192.00 |
From the salary data provided, it can be seen that the job level, as well as unionization, has an impact on the salary of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers. For example, the entry-level salary is $45,198.40, while the experienced-level salary is $71,905.60. Similarly, the salary for unionized workers is higher than nonunionized workers, with the former making an average of $79,123.20, while the latter makes an average of $55,681.60.
Further, the data table provided shows that Ohio has the highest average salary for unionized telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers, while Texas has the highest average salary for nonunionized workers.
It is clear from the data that unionization can have a significant impact on the salaries of workers in this field, with unionized workers making significantly more money. However, it is important to note that there may be other factors at play that affect these income differences, such as differing job requirements, skills, and cost of living in different regions.
