How much does a telecom technician make?

In the United States, pay can vary with experience, useful electronics or network training, the employer, and the kind of equipment a technician handles. Local job markets and work hours can matter too, including night or weekend repairs.

Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings. Excludes “Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers” (49-9052).

What's a typical day like?

At a home or central office, a telecom technician checks phones, wiring, and network gear. They use meters and diagrams to find faults, fix or install equipment, test it, and explain it to customers.

In the United States, start with a high school diploma or GED; electronics, telecom, or networking courses or a certificate can help, and employers train new hires. Apprenticeships are another route; some programs require apprentices to be 18 or older.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. telecom technicians install special circuits in central offices to handle vacant phone lines—a surprising behind-the-scenes job in the network.