Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

SOC code 49-2022 · O*NET-SOC 49-2022.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$63,890

a year

Hourly

$30.72

per hour

10th$44,240Median$63,89090th$96,730

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,500

$32.93 per hour

Middle 50%

$51,830 – $81,690

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,240 – $96,730

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

140,920

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,240; $21.27/hr
25th percentile: $51,830; $24.92/hr
Median percentile: $63,890; $30.72/hr
75th percentile: $81,690; $39.27/hr
90th percentile: $96,730; $46.51/hr

What do telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers earn?

The national median is $63,890 a year. The full range runs from $44,240 at the 10th percentile to $96,730 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Monitoring3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Telecommunications4.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
English Language3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Communications and Media3.1/5
Administration and Management3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Installation, Equipment Maintenance.