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Introduction

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers are the professionals who set up, maintain, and repair the cables and lines that deliver phone, internet, and television services.

They work with fiber optic cables, copper lines, and sometimes satellite or wireless systems, ensuring reliable communication for both households and businesses. This is a highly practical career that combines technical skill, outdoor fieldwork, and safety expertise.

What Does a Telecommunications Line Installer and Repairer Do?

• Installation: Setting up overhead and underground lines for new construction or customer service.
• Repairs: Fixing broken, frayed, or damaged lines caused by weather, accidents, or wear.
• Splicing: Cutting, stripping, and connecting cables, especially fiber optics.
• Testing: Using diagnostic equipment to check transmission quality and troubleshoot issues.
• Pole Work: Climbing utility poles with harnesses and safety gear.
• Emergency Response: Restoring service after storms or natural disasters.

Work often involves outdoor environments, heights, and varying weather conditions.

Average Requirements

Education

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Technical training in telecommunications or electronics.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of cable systems and electronics.
• Ability to splice and terminate fiber optic and copper cables.
• Physical fitness and comfort with climbing poles or working underground.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Safety awareness, especially when working near power lines.

Certifications & Licensing

• OSHA safety training.
• Fiber optic certification (FOA, ETA, or BICSI).
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) may be required for service vehicles.

Earnings Potential

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): $38,000 – $46,000 annually.
• Mid-Career (3–7 years): $46,000 – $58,000.
• Experienced (8–15 years): $58,000 – $70,000.
• Senior Specialists / Supervisors: $70,000 – $85,000+.

Hourly rates generally range $19–$36/hour, with overtime pay common during outages and emergency work.

Growth Stages & Promotional Path

Stage 1: Helper / Trainee

• Assists senior installers.
• Learns climbing, splicing, and safety procedures.

Stage 2: Junior Installer / Repairer

• Performs standard installations under supervision.
• Handles customer service requests.

Stage 3: Certified Installer / Repairer

• Works independently on fiber optics, underground cables, and complex troubleshooting.

Stage 4: Senior Technician / Crew Lead

• Oversees field crews and coordinates service projects.
• Specializes in high-capacity or enterprise installations.

Stage 5: Supervisor / Network Manager

• Manages installation and repair programs for telecom companies.
• May move into training or quality control roles.

Education & Training Path

• High School Prep: Focus on math, physics, and electronics.
• Vocational / Technical School: Telecom or electrical courses recommended.
• On-the-Job Training: Most installers train with senior technicians.
• Certifications: Fiber optics, OSHA safety, and climbing certifications.
• Continuous Learning: Staying up to date on 5G, fiber optics, and advanced broadband technologies.

Employment Outlook

• Projected Growth: ~6% through 2032, faster than average.
• Drivers of Demand:
  • Expansion of fiber optic networks for high-speed internet.
  • Ongoing need to maintain and repair existing infrastructure.
  • Rising demand for 5G wireless backhaul connections.
• Industries Hiring:
  • Telecommunications companies.
  • Utility contractors.
  • Cable television providers.
  • Independent contractors.

Would You Like This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy hands-on technical work outdoors.
• Value job stability in an essential industry.
• Don’t mind heights, weather exposure, or physical labor.
• Want to be part of expanding internet and communication systems.

It may not suit you if you:

• Prefer indoor or desk-based work.
• Dislike climbing poles or working in confined spaces.
• Want a strictly 9-to-5 role (emergency repairs often require irregular hours).

If you’re considering becoming a Telecommunications Line Installer and Repairer, the best next step is to see if your motivations and technical strengths align with this essential trade. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to discover whether this hands-on career fits you, or if another technical path might suit you better.

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