Telecom Technicians set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, such as telephone lines and Internet routers. These workers use many different tools to inspect equipment and diagnose problems. For instance, to locate distortions in signals, they may employ spectrum analyzers and polarity probes. They also commonly use hand tools, including screwdrivers and pliers, to take equipment apart and repair it.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Telecom Technicians set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, such as telephone lines and Internet routers. These workers use many different tools to inspect equipment and diagnose problems. For instance, to locate distortions in signals, they may employ spectrum analyzers and polarity probes. They also commonly use hand tools, including screwdrivers and pliers, to take equipment apart and repair it.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Some job opportunities should come from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Although job opportunities will vary by specialty, those with an associate’s degree and strong customer-service skills should have the best job prospects.
Technologies such as mobile video streaming and broadband Internet require high data transfer rates in telecommunications systems. Central office and headend technicians are likely to be needed to service and upgrade switches and routers to handle increased data usage, resulting in some job opportunities for them.
Employment projections data for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | 49-2022 | 237,600 | 219,400 | -8 | -18,200 |  xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers |
| SOC Code |
| 49-2022 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 237,600 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 219,400 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| -8 |
| NUMERIC |
| -18,200 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers was $53,380 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,530.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Telecommunications | $55,150 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,730 |
| Cable and Other Subscription Programming | $51,600 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable goods | $50,570 |
| Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | $46,880 |
Most telecom technicians worked full time in 2016. Some businesses offer 24-hour repair services. Telecom technicians in these companies work shifts, including evenings, holidays, and weekends. Some are on call around the clock in case of emergencies.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2016 to 2026.
Employment is projected to decline in the telecommunications industries, specifically in wired telecommunications carriers, the industry that employs most of these workers. Consumers increasingly demand wireless and mobile services, which often require less installation, instead of landline-based services. This shift in demand means that telecommunications companies are expected to require fewer telecommunications equipment installers.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Telecom Technicians
Similar Occupations
| Occupational Title | Job duties | Entry-Level education | 2017 Median pay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians | Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies. | See How to Become One | $42,650 |
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Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers | Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. | See How to Become One | $57,210 |
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Line Installers and Repairers | Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers, install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics. | High School Diploma or Equivalent | $64,190 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
|---|
| Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| See How to Become One |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $42,650 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| See How to Become One |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $57,210 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Line Installers and Repairers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers, install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $64,190 |
Free Staffing Resources
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
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Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
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American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
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National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
