What Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation"; "Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning"; "Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 143,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 138,400 in 2035, a decrease of 4,700 jobs (-3.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,890, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $73,189 in New York to $75,859 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,670 (1.04 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $63,890 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,350, which is 52.4% of the 15,940 counted across them. New York follows with 7,590.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($75,859) and New York ($73,189) lead the ranking, while New York ($73,189) and New Jersey ($75,859) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (49-2000) include Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers.
Frequently asked questions about Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
How much do Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,890. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $73,189 to $75,859.
Which state pays Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $75,859. New York is next at $73,189.
Is Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 3.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,300 openings a year.
What education do Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.