Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
O*NET 49-2022.00 · SOC 49-2022
Telecommunications Equipment Installer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $64k a year with -3.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 11,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Install and wire telephone switching equipment in central offices
- →Test telecommunications circuits using signal analyzers and test sets
- →Replace defective circuit cards in PBX or switching systems
- →Configure equipment settings to meet customer service specifications
- →Trace and repair faulty wiring inside telecommunications equipment cabinets
Education & How to Get In
Most Telecommunications Equipment Installer positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Telecommunications Equipment Installer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Telecommunications Equipment Installer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Telecommunications Equipment Installer Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers is projected to decline 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·41% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Telecommunications Equipment Installer make?
The median Telecommunications Equipment Installer earns $64k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Telecommunications Equipment Installer jobs?
Our model puts Telecommunications Equipment Installer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 41% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Telecommunications Equipment Installer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 11,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Telecommunications Equipment Installer?
Most Telecommunications Equipment Installer roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Telecommunications Equipment Installer?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Telecommunications Equipment Installer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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