Median Annual Wage: $55,190
Education: Post-secondary certificate (51%); Associate's degree (21%); High school diploma or equivalent (15%)
Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Related Job Titles: Communications Technician; Service Technician; Installer; Field Technician; Central Office Technician; Install / Repair Technician; Telecommunications Technician; Customer Service Technician (CST); Combination Technician; Outside Plant Technician
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.
More Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Careers
- Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
- Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
- Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
- Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
- Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
- Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.
- Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
- Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
- Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
- Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
- Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
- Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
- Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
- Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
- Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
- Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
- Designate cables available for use.
- Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
- Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
- Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
- Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.