Cable Television and Telecommunications Technician Job Description, Career as a Cable Television and Telecommunications Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
Salary: Median—$17.36 per hour
Employment Outlook: Poor
Definition and Nature of the Work
Cable television and telecommunications technicians install, maintain, and upgrade cable systems. They also perform repair work and respond to service problems at the homes of cable users. Their main goal is to keep a cable system operating efficiently.
Cable technicians generally start out as cable system installers. Installers prepare a subscriber's home for cable reception by connecting the cable system to one or more television sets or to one or more computers for high-speed Internet service. Installers explain to subscribers how to operate the cable system and how they can upgrade or downgrade their services. If a customer no longer wants the cable system, installers remove it. Installers may also be responsible for servicing feeder lines, which connect the main cable to small groups of homes, and droplines, which are the direct cable lines to a subscriber's home. In general, installers perform light troubleshooting work when customers have minor problems with their cable units.
Trunk technicians must have more advanced technical skills than installers. Trunk technicians continuously maintain the main line, or trunk line, of the cable system. This work is very important because the trunk line is the main artery of a cable system and a malfunction could shut down service in a large area. Trunk technicians are responsible for correcting any technical failure in the trunk line, the feeder amplifier, or the booster.
Service technicians respond to problems reported by a subscriber. These technicians generally repair amplifiers, cable poles, or lines. They may also correct electrical malfunctions occurring in the cable system. They practice preventive maintenance by electronically scanning the cable system periodically. By catching minor problems early, they can prevent major disruptions in cable service later.
Not all cable television and telecommunications technicians work in the field. Bench technicians, who are highly specialized electronics technicians, operate the cable system's repair facility. They examine broken and malfunctioning cable equipment, repair it, record the repairs, and return the equipment to the field.
Chief cable technicians are the most highly skilled of the cable technician staff. They supervise the work of other technicians. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring high-quality signal delivery to customers. Chief cable technicians also set employee performance standards, conduct interviews, and handle personnel matters. They do not work out in the field unless serious or complex problems arise.
Education and Training Requirements
Cable television and telecommunications technicians need at least a high school education, an aptitude for math, and an interest in installing or repairing electronic equipment.
A cable television technician needs to have training in many areas.
Most cable television and telecommunications technicians begin their careers as installers. Training is available for high school graduates at trade schools or from a cable company's on-the-job training program. Some trade schools offer a five- to seven-week course in electronics repair and maintenance. Trunk, service, and bench technicians have specialized telecommunications training; junior colleges and technical institutes offer programs that usually last one to two years. Chief cable television and telecommunications technicians need at least two years of electronics training and a considerable amount of experience in the field.
The number of vocational schools that train cable television and telecommunications technicians is limited. The cable industry provides on-the-job training, as well as special training schools for technicians. Some community agencies and educational institutions also offer technical training programs for cable technicians.
Getting the Job
Schools that offer courses in cable maintenance often have placement offices that can help candidates find jobs. The majority of employment opportunities come from areas that already have cable service or are about to get it. The National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) provides lists of these areas. State and local government officials can help prospective cable technicians determine what opportunities exist locally.
The Television and Cable Factbook, published by Warren Communications, lists all the cable systems in the United States and Canada. Copies of the print edition can be found at most large libraries. Also available online, The Factbook is considered the industry's leading source of up-to-date information.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Cable television technicians generally advance by gaining experience in cable maintenance and servicing. Installers, trunk technicians, service technicians, and bench technicians can advance to become chief cable technicians with increased on-the-job experience or electronics training. Some technicians may elect to continue their college training and become professional engineers. Those who have the necessary teaching skills may train new cable television and telecommunications technicians.
The employment outlook for cable technicians is slower than the average through the year 2014. Most areas of the country that can be served by cable systems have already been wired, and fewer installations will be needed in the coming years. However, technicians will still be needed to service existing cable lines and to replace old wiring with fiber optic cable. Steady customer demand for high-speed Internet connections may increase the demand for cable technicians; however, the increasing use of wireless Internet systems, along with the option of satellite television, will most likely counteract any job growth in the cable television and telecommunications field. Jobs will become available as workers retire or leave their jobs for other reasons.
Working Conditions
Installers, service technicians, and trunk technicians spend most of their time outside installing or maintaining cable lines, while bench technicians perform their tasks inside the cable system's repair facility. Chief technicians normally do not go into the field unless a problem arises.
All technicians in this field should enjoy working with the public because it is a consumer-oriented industry. Cable television technicians generally work five days per week, but they may have to work some overtime.
Earnings and Benefits
The earnings of cable technicians depend on the worker's experience, education, and place of employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a cable television and telecommunications technician is $17.36 per hour. Chief cable technicians earn more. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Cable technicians also receive extra pay for overtime.
User Comments Add a comment…
3 months ago
anonymous » 123456789 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I started at 11/hr aug 11,2009 as an installer its aug 17,2009 making 13.27 as a tech 2 I still have IST then ISS get a percentage raise up to 10 % depending on how my repeats on the past months on service calls. Then I can go to maintance which is the bucket trucks, they work on the hardlines , another raise. Not to bad , 17.36/hr starting off would of been nice!
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5 months ago
Greater North Chicago
everybody's wage depends on how quickly you can adapt to your set of skills. been working for comcast for 4 1/2 years and make just under $17 plus free cable and internet, discounted phones and full benefits
6 months ago
John
I was hired by Comcast in Houston to be a CommTech 1 in Feb, 2008. I have been with Comcast for 15 months and I make 15.67 an hour. I was hired at 12.84 and then trained for 6 weeks to do television only. After training I rode around with other techs for about 2 months. Then I started my own route. I did primarly television trouble calls and some phone and internet, even though I had not taken a course or received training. Working in cable means you have to adapt on the go. After I was with the company for 7 months I went to an express training in phone and internet that lasted 2 weeks. We had to pass a difficult test to advance and although I passed the first time the majority of the class did not. The test was much more technical that what the training provided and some people took months to pass. My pay went up to 15.22 and I was routed with phone and internet trouble calls. Hurricane Ike hit soon after I passed and I was routed with 12 to 14 jobs a day. I did not do my first install until 11 months after I was hired, which differs from the description above. Because the crew I joined was a service crew I never had any installs. The downside to this was I had to learn to alot about the cable network system very quickly, learning from service and line techs in the field because the classroom training only thought us about the house or tap down and I was required to troubleshoot network, amp, node issues. There definately is stress on the job but the days go by fast because your busy all the time. Just wanted to give an idea of how I became a cable guy and what I do for those interested in being a cable guy.
6 months ago
Tony » anthonyfasce ((at)) hotmail dot com
I have 17 years in the cable business. I have done everything from installer ,Linesmen, triple play tech, headend maintenace,& system auditor, I currently make 13.50 an hour in upstate ny. I am looking to go to florida but have had no luck finding anything.Any suggestions from florida cable guys would be appreceiated.
6 months ago
CableNAlaska » harvey607 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I've been working with GCI for just over 4 years now, and make 25/hr. I love my job and there is lots of room to move up. Its not for everyone though. I started at the bottom making 14/hr, but I worked very hard by taking every chance to get overtime and learn. Not everyone can do it especially up here. So if you hate your job find a new one.
8 months ago
Could Cable » ok ((at)) isisnet dot com
I have been working for Rogers Cable in Canada for 5 years making about $23/hr average. we are based on piece rate here, you need to know how to create work for yourself when it's slow. Rewire everything, change the CSE, run a temp, UPSELL!! cable techs can make a ton of money if they know how to upsell. If your company isn't on a piece rate system then your getting hosed.
8 months ago
reddness » bigred181976 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I work for Suddenlink in Bryan/College Station(who bought out cox in this area) I make $13.00 per hour. Working only about a year in TX, this is pretty much the starting point here $12.00 being base pay. I made more working on riding mowers for Sears, $14.88 after 2 years but they do not have an eighth of the benefits that Suddenlink has. It all depends on your area on how much you get paid, this is the college town and nobody pay very much. I don't expect to work here the rest of my life, maybe only another year or so. My advice, if you need a job that pays ok and has very good benefits work for a cable company. If you want a job for life and to be respected and promoted on a regular basis work some where else.
9 months ago
The Cable GUY » nite86 ((at)) aol dot com
Where in the world do you all work? Geez Im 22 and Been working in cable since I was 18 thats four years and Im making 21.50 hr. For all you that are working installing cable for that lil money you need a new company to work for! I work for Cox work there...lol
about 1 year ago
ezvue » hansen ((at)) writeme dot com
In SLC.Utah Every job has it's issue's, as a tech. the biggest issue is the weather hot/cold rin/snow.Free services phone/cable/internet..take truck home no ga$ no mait. 401k match $1 for $1. many other things....$21 hr @11 yrs doing cable <><
about 1 year ago
nick » darkwatersss ((at)) yahoo dot com
I work for cablevision which is located in ny and i love my job i make 60+ a year have great benifits and perks no complaint and been on the job going on 7 years
about 1 year ago
Rick » iownthebank ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am the former Cable Television instructor for the Los Angeles Unified School District. I have been in the industry for over 30 years and taught telecommunications 16 of those years.
Can installers, technicians, engineers, etc. will not end up on the "Life Style od the Rich and Famous" show, however, they can earn an honest living.
Those technician that mentioned they are earning 12 to 14 dollars and hour are 100 percent correct. That's about the adverage wage, however, when you factor in taking the vehicle home, medical, dental, and other benefits, it's can be a nice industry for some.
I have trained thousands of cable technician students, in the private industry and public school system. Many come into the industry with only a high school educations, therefore, it can be understood that it's an entry level position with room to grow. Some don't last long enough because they do stupid things, don't care about customer service, or drive the company vehicle into areas not allowed. I am far from having enough money to retire from this business, however, I am glad to have a job, with this crazy economy in the conditions it's in. A word of advice for those thinking about jumping into cable television, get an education while in the business, so if you decide to get out, you have something to take with you.
about 1 year ago
Brian Hensley » Brian103181 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I have been a service tech for 5 years....I make 14hr in Florida...This job gives me 3 weeks paid vaca paid sick time..401k 2 days off a year extra for not calling in sick....a take home van...free 150$a month cable...Free college... or half if not pertaining to some cable related field....my blue cross blue shield costs 13 every 2 weeks and i have a dental/vision/prescription plan.....
I save at least 20 a week in gas...150 a month in cable bills and 50 or more in health benefits....thats 300 dollars a month...
I wake up...check my company laptop...go to my 8 service calls...I take lunch when i want...I stop home if I have too.... I stop at the beach...
I would say that I have one of the most stress free jobs available...No bosses ever bother me...I stop by the office once a week....
All I do is do a good job...And make people happy....The people who are stressed out are the slackers...
And if where you work sucks...MOVE...
Installers have it way worse....
So...I would say...If you like not having a boss....or an annoying co worker..and like a changing environment...like good benefits and decent pay..and vacation....check out Florida
about 1 year ago
jerseysux » loredo1868 ((at)) aol dot com
8 years tech3 $18.50. cable is a dead end job no matter if you are a tech or a sup.stress level is high, job not worth taking, you will take the stress home, we have guys poppin pills.one tech frm area commited suicide.
about 1 year ago
w » wtchilde ((at)) olemiss dot edu
I work for vista 3 media in oxford, ms and have been there for about a year. my pay is at 11 dollars an hour.
over 2 years ago
al » salvi81 ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
Technicians do not make that much.. I work for a Los Angeles based Cable provider and we average about $13.50 and hour and I have been in the industry for 4 years..
over 2 years ago
john » lsu_la ((at)) yahoo dot com
your assessment of the median wage earnings if incorrect. After around 5 years on the job in florida one can expect to make around 12 - 13 an hour