network cabling technicians

 

Education is needed

Most cable service providers will provide training for new employees who have a high school diploma, but some job seekers enroll in training programs offered by technical schools and colleges. Programs can last up to five years depending on the depth and width of the material, and the programs cover subjects such as basic electrical engineering, telecommunications, physics, and mechanical engineering.

 

Completion of an apprenticeship program is common in this area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition, cable technicians can obtain voluntary certifications through associations such as the Fiber Optics Association.

 

Required work skills

Cable technicians must have a high degree of dexterity and must have a strong background in mathematics and science. They also need to be good communicators and should be able to solve problems on their own.

network cabling technicians

Economic and career perspectives

Although cable television and Internet equipment are already installed in most residential areas, according to BLS (www.bls.gov). The average annual salary of cable installers was $ 38,780 as of March 2019 for Payscale.com.

 

Alternative career opportunities

Some of the skills needed to become a cable technician will help you prepare for jobs in other areas.

 

Telecommunication line installer and servicer

This category includes several types of technicians who mainly install and maintain technical equipment for a number of clients. This career usually requires workers to have some form of post-secondary education; however, on-the-job training is often provided. According to the BLS, the number of jobs is expected to increase by 1% from 2016 to 2026. In 2017, the average revenue for installers and service telecommunications networks was $ 55,060 per year.

 

Electrical engineer

Among their many tasks, electrical and electronics engineers design and review electronic systems and components and make recommendations for improvement. The BLS notes that these workers should have a degree in a related field. The average salary of these workers in 2017 was 102,180 dollars, as reported by BLS. Slow job growth of 4% for electronics engineers is estimated from 2016 to 2026.