Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
O*NET 49-9052.00 · SOC 49-9052
Telecommunications Line Installer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $74k a year with -3.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 8,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Pull fiber optic or copper cables through conduits and walls
- →Splice and terminate telephone or internet cables at junction boxes
- →Test signal strength and data transmission on installed lines
- →Mount and connect network interface devices at customer locations
- →Climb telephone poles to install or repair aerial cables
Education & How to Get In
Telecommunications Line Installer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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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 Line Installer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Telecommunications Line 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 Line Installer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers is projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·42% 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 Line Installer make?
The median Telecommunications Line Installer earns $74k 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 Line Installer jobs?
Our model puts Telecommunications Line Installer at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 42% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Telecommunications Line Installer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 8,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Telecommunications Line Installer?
Most Telecommunications Line Installer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Telecommunications Line Installer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Telecommunications Line 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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