Career Advice on How to Become a Telecommunications Line Installer and RepairerGeneral Career Information |
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You may think that the childhood dream of becoming a telecommunications line installer and repairer is still out of your reach, but oh you would be wrong. You too can drive the fancy car, impress the ladies and have all the bling.
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Career Facts: |
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While a college degree is not a must for the job, many employers often seek out those with an associate’s degree in a related field such as electronics or telecommunications. Beyond that, most telecommunications installers and repairers receive their training on the job, where they learn such skills as how to not electrocute themselves and why squirrels love to chew through wires. (The answer to the latter is that wires are coated with a substance made from peanuts and squirrels love yummy-yummy peanuts. It’s true.)
There are some fairly strenuous requirements for the job, as telecommunications installers and repairers are expected to carry heavy loads and do a great deal of climbing. That’s right climbing. This fact means that one can’t be afraid of heights. It also means that the job carries with it a degree of risk. Anytime a job requires you to go up higher than a few feet, one must realize that there is a real risk of injury or even death. Telecommunications installer is not unique in this regard, however, one should be aware of the potential, well, downfall. |
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Not Good: |
| The job growth for telecommunication installers and repairers is below the average for all jobs. It is at five percent. However, a “wild card” is that many professionals currently in the career will be retiring, leaving more openings for telecommunication installers and repairers. As of 2006, there were 162,000 telecommunications installers and repairers in the United States, with this number expected to rise to 170,000 by 2016. |
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A Day in The Life: |
| There is no way around it, most telecommunication installers and repairers spend their day, well, yes that’s right, installing and repairing lines. They are responsible for installing and repairing the cables and lines that provide a wide array of services to customers and businesses, such as cable television, Internet and phone services. Also, if there is an accident or a storm, it is possible that installers and repairers may have to get out of bed and head out in the middle of the night to repair a damaged cable. This happens more than one might suspect. |
Average Salary: |
| With an average salary of about $25 per hour, the telecommunications installer and repairer can earn a good living without attending a four-year university or college. Top earners can make over $60,000 a year, however, the job is physically demanding and comes with a degree of physical risk. It should be remembered that workers often have to climb up to some fairly significant heights. |
$48k - $60k |
Career Training and Qualifications: |
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An associate’s degree in a related field is seen as a plus, but a college degree isn’t required. On the job training is essential, and this is where many learn the trade. It is not uncommon for telecommunications installers and repairers to belong to unions.
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