Education
needed
Most
cable service providers offer training for new employees with a high school
degree. However, some job seekers sign up for training programs offered by
technical schools and community colleges. Depending on the depth and width of
the material, the programs can last up to five years. The programs cover
subjects such as basic electrical engineering, telecommunications, physics, and
mechanical engineering.
Completion
of apprenticeship programs in this area is common, according to the United
States Labor Statistics Office (BLS). In addition, cable technicians can obtain
voluntary certifications from associations such as the Fiber Optics Association.
Work
skills required
cabling
technician
Cable
technicians must have a high level of manual dexterity and a solid background
in math and science. You also need to be good communicators and be able to
solve problems independently.
Economic
and career prospects
Despite
the fact that cable TV and internet devices are already installed in most
residential areas, according to BLS (www.bls.gov). The average annual salary
for cable installers for Payscale.com in March 2019 was $ 38,780.
Alternative
career opportunities
Some
of the skills you need to become a cable technician will help you prepare for
jobs in other fields.
Installer
and repair company for telecommunication lines
This
category includes various types of technicians who generally install and
maintain technical equipment for numerous customers. This career usually
requires post-secondary training for workers. However, training is often
offered at the workplace. According to the BLS, the number of jobs is expected
to increase by 1% from 2016 to 2026. In 2017, the average income for
telecommunications line installers and repairers was $ 55,060 per year.
Electrical
engineer
Among
their many roles, electrical and electronic engineers design and inspect
electronic systems and components and make recommendations for improvements.
The BLS states that these workers should have a degree in a related field. The
average salary of these workers in 2017 was $ 102,180, according to the BLS.
For electronics engineers, employment growth has been estimated at 4% from 2016
to 2026.