Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Telecommunications Technician
What telecommunications technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Load the service van and check today’s installs and repair tickets. From there, the day usually includes install internet, phone and TV service, run and terminate copper, coax and fiber cabling, and splice and test fiber optic lines. Most work full-time, including some evenings and weekends; storms bring overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a telecommunications technician working full time.
- 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.
- Install a phone system at a small office.
- Test signal levels and replace a corroded connector.
- Close tickets and restock the van.
Where telecommunications technicians work
Technicians work in homes, businesses, utility cabinets, central offices and outdoors, climbing ladders and working in attics and crawl spaces.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, including some evenings and weekends; storms bring overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Fiber splicers and OTDRs
- Signal meters
- Cable testers
- Ladders and safety gear
- Laptops and configuration tools
- Hand tools and crimpers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Steady demand for broadband
- Paid training from many providers
- Hands-on, varied work
- Fiber skills pay well
What’s hard
- Ladders, attics and crawl spaces
- Weather and driving
- Customer frustrations
- Some legacy work is declining
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like electronics and networks
- I enjoy hands-on troubleshooting
- I’m comfortable on ladders
- I like driving to different places
- I’m patient with customers
- I want paid on-the-job training
Not sure? Take the free Telecommunications Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ladder safety and fall protection
- Never look into active fiber
- Dispose of fiber scraps safely
- Watch for electrical hazards