Career comparison
Computer Repair Technician vs. Telecommunications Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Telecommunications technicians earn more at the median ($63,890 vs. $47,810), while computer repair technicians usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Computer repair technicians fix computers, printers, ATMs and other office technology. Telecommunications technicians install and repair internet, phone and cable systems for homes and businesses.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Computer Repair Technician | Telecommunications Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,810 ($22.99/hr) | $63,890 ($30.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,910 – $71,730 | $44,240 – $96,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.0% (a projected decline) | -3.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,100 | 11,300 |
| Typical entry education | Some college, no degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | CompTIA A+ | Fiber Optic Association CFOT |
| Work setting | Technicians work in repair shops, retail stores, corporate IT departments and at customer sites. | Technicians work in homes, businesses, utility cabinets, central offices and outdoors, climbing ladders and working in attics and crawl spaces.. |
What each job does
Computer Repair Technician
- Diagnose hardware and software problems
- Replace failed components
- Remove malware and reinstall systems
- Recover and transfer data
- Service printers, copiers and POS systems
Telecommunications Technician
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the technology field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose computer repair technician if…
- I like taking things apart and fixing them
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I’m patient with customers
Choose telecommunications technician if…
- I like electronics and networks
- I enjoy hands-on troubleshooting
- I’m comfortable on ladders
Still torn? Take the Computer Repair Technician fit quiz and the Telecommunications Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, computer repair technician or telecommunications technician?
Telecommunications Technicians earn more at the median: $63,890 versus $47,810 for computer repair technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Computer Repair Technicians typically train faster (3–12 months) than telecommunications technicians (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects computer repair technicians to grow -3.0% from 2025–35, compared with -3.3% for telecommunications technicians.