Cell Tower Technician
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Technology career
Telecommunications Technician
Also called: Telecom Technician · Cable Installer · Fiber Optic Technician · Broadband Technician
What telecommunications technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a telecommunications technician do?
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers set up and maintain equipment that carries communications signals, including internet, phone, cable TV and fiber optic systems. The median pay is $63,890 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months, and employment is projected to grow -3.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$63,890$30.72/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.3%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year11,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs143,100Employment, 2025
What telecommunications technicians do
Telecom technicians connect homes and businesses. They install and troubleshoot internet, phone and TV service, run and splice fiber, configure modems and routers, test signal levels and repair equipment in central offices and customer locations. Business technicians install phone systems, network cabling and data equipment.
Many technicians complete a postsecondary electronics or telecommunications program, while others are trained by internet and cable providers. Fiber skills are in demand as broadband networks expand.
Typical duties
- Install internet, phone and TV service
- Run and terminate copper, coax and fiber cabling
- Splice and test fiber optic lines
- Configure modems, routers and phone systems
- Troubleshoot signal and connectivity problems
- Repair equipment in central offices and cabinets
- Explain service and equipment to customers
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in homes, businesses, utility cabinets, central offices and outdoors, climbing ladders and working in attics and crawl spaces.
Schedule: Most work full-time, including some evenings and weekends; storms bring overtime.
A day in the life
- Load the service van and check today’s installs and repair tickets.
- Install fiber internet at a home, running a drop line and mounting equipment.
- Troubleshoot slow speeds for a business customer.
- Splice fiber in a neighborhood cabinet.
See a full day in the life of a telecommunications technician →
Telecommunications Technician salary
Half of telecommunications technicians earned more than $63,890 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,240 for the lowest 10% to $96,730 for the top 10%.
Full telecommunications technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a telecommunications technician
- Learn electronics basics
- Train
- Earn certifications
- Gain experience
- Advance
A postsecondary certificate in electronics or telecommunications is common. Many providers train new technicians on the job.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a telecommunications technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Fiber optic splicing and testing
- Copper and coax termination
- Network equipment configuration
- Signal testing
- Troubleshooting
People skills
- Customer service
- Problem solving
- Independence
- Reliability
All telecommunications technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steady demand for broadband
- Paid training from many providers
- Hands-on, varied work
- Fiber skills pay well
Cons
- Ladders, attics and crawl spaces
- Weather and driving
- Customer frustrations
- Some legacy work is declining
Certifications and licenses
- Fiber Optic Association CFOT: Certified Fiber Optic Technician.
- BICSI Installer: Cabling installation credentials.
- CompTIA Network+: Networking certification.
- SCTE certifications: Broadband industry credentials.
Career path
- Installer: Install customer services.
- Telecom Technician: Troubleshoot and repair.
- Fiber Splicer or Senior Tech: Handle complex work.
- Supervisor or Network Technician: Lead teams or move into networks.
Learn the job before day one
Our Telecommunications Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as install a fiber internet service and fusion splice fiber, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Telecom Technician vs. Cell Tower Technician · Telecom Technician vs. Telecom Lineworker · Telecom Technician vs. Network Technician · Telecom Technician vs. Electrician
Telecommunications Technician FAQ
Do telecom technicians need a degree?
Usually a certificate or provider training.
Are fiber skills in demand?
Yes, especially with broadband expansion.
Is the job outdoors?
It’s a mix of indoor and outdoor work.
How much does a telecommunications technician make?
The median annual wage for telecommunications technicians was $63,890 ($30.72 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,240 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,730.
How long does it take to become a telecommunications technician?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. A postsecondary certificate in electronics or telecommunications is common. Many providers train new technicians on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a telecommunications technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More telecommunications technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2022 (Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.