Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair communications equipment in central offices, headends, and customer locations. They work with switching, distribution, routing, and dialing systems as well as telephone, cable television, and internet equipment. The work takes place in both office settings and at customer sites.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves a mix of on-site visits and office-based work. Installers may set up new equipment at customer locations, troubleshoot connection problems, run diagnostic tests on systems, and perform routine maintenance on existing installations. Some days focus on rearranging or removing equipment, while others involve detailed repairs of complex telecommunications infrastructure. Documentation of work performed and parts used is part of regular duties.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and methodical, preferring to follow established procedures and technical specifications. You likely enjoy solving practical problems with equipment and systems, and you're comfortable working with your hands while also understanding the technical foundations of how telecommunications systems operate.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Bowling Equipment Repairer · Air Force Materiel Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $22.56–$26.31
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER · Army National Guard Units · Havre de Grace, Maryland · $24.5–$38.41
- SURFACE MAINTENANCE REPAIRER (TITLE 32) · Army National Guard Units · Harrisonville, Missouri · $33.04–$38.55
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer · Defense Logistics Agency · New Cumberland Defense Logistics Center, Pennsylvania · $28.06–$32.72
- Electrical Equipment Repairer-Wheelchair Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $30.48–$35.53
- Surface Maintenance Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent) · Army National Guard Units · Troutville, Virginia · $24.44–$31.73
- Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Milan, Michigan · $45.13–$52.7
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $25.49–$29.74
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $61,610 | $95,850 | $101,720 | 520 |
| North Dakota | $62,820 | $90,890 | $97,560 | 470 |
| New Hampshire | $78,700 | $85,240 | $93,660 | 550 |
| Vermont | $61,170 | $81,800 | $88,360 | 310 |
| Louisiana | $59,710 | $80,210 | $91,370 | 3,060 |
| Hawaii | $58,350 | $79,250 | $86,940 | 760 |
| New Jersey | $63,700 | $78,000 | $97,490 | 2,690 |
| Washington | $62,640 | $77,610 | $83,270 | 3,210 |
| California | $65,480 | $76,630 | $97,400 | 14,040 |
| Massachusetts | $60,920 | $76,500 | $93,190 | 2,890 |
| Colorado | $62,760 | $76,410 | $82,840 | 3,180 |
| Oregon | $60,790 | $75,270 | $84,540 | 1,710 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Line and Antenna Sweeping (LAS) — ETA International
- BICSI Installer 1 — Building Industry Consulting Service International
- Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) — National Wireless Safety Alliance
- Telecommunications Tower Technician 2 (TTT-1) — National Wireless Safety Alliance
- BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber — Building Industry Consulting Service International
- Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) (TCM) — ETA International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 3 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-2022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.