Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
SOC 49-9052.00 · ESCO 7422 · OSCA 382331
Role snapshot
Overview
Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots structured cabling systems for data networks, phone systems, and audiovisual equipment within commercial and residential buildings. Ensures all installations comply with industry standards, building codes, and labelling conventions for optimal performance and future scalability.
Enables reliable communication and data transfer infrastructure, supporting business operations, connectivity, and technological advancement in homes and workplaces.
On the job
- Pulling and routing various types of copper and fiber optic cabling through conduits, plenums, and risers.
- Terminating and dressing patch panels, wall jacks, and communication outlets according to wiring diagrams and standards (e.g., TIA/EIA).
- Testing and certifying installed cabling infrastructure using specialized equipment to ensure performance and identify faults.
- Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to plan cable runs and equipment placement.
- Troubleshooting and repairing network connectivity issues, cable faults, and equipment malfunctions.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or certificate in telecommunications, network cabling, or electrical trades.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can assist with blueprint interpretation, optimal routing plans, and test result analysis, but the physical work is less exposed.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While planning and diagnostics can be AI-assisted, the core physical act of pulling, terminating, and securing cables in varied environments cannot be fully automated.
Adoption pressure
moderate
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Employers will adopt AI tools for planning efficiency and diagnostic accuracy, but the need for human physical labor limits the overall pressure for full automation.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success relies heavily on physical dexterity, on-site problem-solving in unforeseen situations, and direct accountability for compliant and reliable infrastructure installation.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role can readily adapt to new cabling technologies, evolving standards, and diverse building types by applying core installation and troubleshooting skills.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Optimizing cable routing plans based on blueprints and site conditions
- Analyzing test results from network cable testers to pinpoint faults
- Generating compliance reports based on installation standards
- Providing interactive guides for complex termination procedures
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Physically pulling and routing cables through conduits and plenums
- Precisely terminating and dressing patch panels and outlets by hand
- Troubleshooting and repairing complex physical cable faults on site
- Ensuring physical integrity and aesthetic quality of installations
- Interacting with clients and other trades on site for coordination
- Adapting to unforeseen physical obstacles during installation
How the role may evolve
From following plans to validating AI-generated plans and precise physical execution.
The cognitive load of planning and diagnostics will shift towards AI. The technician's role will emphasize expert physical execution and validating AI-derived insights in real-world settings.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency with advanced cable testing and diagnostic software
- Deep understanding of network architecture and data flow
- Mastery of fiber optic splicing and termination techniques
- Problem-solving for complex physical and network layer issues
- Strong communication for client and team coordination
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
Electrical & Electronic
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
People who enjoy hands-on technical work, following precise procedures, and systematically solving problems tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Precise
Follows detailed specifications and industry standards to ensure high-quality, reliable installations.
Methodical
Approaches tasks systematically, from planning cable runs to troubleshooting complex network issues.
Practical
Enjoys working with tools and physical infrastructure to build functional systems.
Detail-oriented
Pays close attention to details during installation and testing to prevent errors and ensure compliance.
Resilient
Maintains focus and effectively troubleshoots issues even when facing tight deadlines or complex physical demands.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy technical, hands-on work with a clear set of procedures and standards.
- Those who find satisfaction in building and maintaining critical infrastructure.
- People who are detail-oriented and meticulous in their work.
Watch out for
- The job often involves working in varied environments, including construction sites, tight spaces, and at heights.
- Requires continuous physical activity, including lifting, bending, and prolonged standing.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles
What does a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) do?
A Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) installs, maintains, and troubleshoots structured cabling systems for data networks, phone systems, and audiovisual equipment within commercial and residential buildings. Ensures all installations comply with industry standards, building codes, and labelling conventions for optimal performance and future scalability. Enables reliable communication and data transfer infrastructure, supporting business operations, connectivity, and technological advancement in homes and workplaces.
How much does a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) earn?
A Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) earns a median of $60,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $45,000 to $80,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
To become a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications), vocational training, apprenticeship, or certificate in telecommunications, network cabling, or electrical trades. Low Voltage Electrical License (state-specific).
What personality suits a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 82/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Precise, Methodical, Practical and Detail-oriented. Follows detailed specifications and industry standards to ensure high-quality, reliable installations. On interests, Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on technical work, following precise procedures, and systematically solving problems tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) role suit?
A Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic and Conventional alignment: the role involves hands-on technical tasks, precise execution, and adherence to established standards. High conscientiousness is crucial for the detailed and systematic nature of cabling installations and testing. The work requires investigative problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues.
What are the downsides of being a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The job often involves working in varied environments, including construction sites, tight spaces, and at heights. Requires continuous physical activity, including lifting, bending, and prolonged standing.
What is the work environment like for a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
Work as a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 81% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
Core skills for a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) include Structured cabling installation, Fiber optic termination, Network testing and troubleshooting, Blueprint reading, Safety protocols and Problem-solving.
How do you become a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
Common entry routes into Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles include Electrical Apprentice, Low Voltage Installer Helper and General Construction Laborer.
What career progression is there for a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)?
From a Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) role, common next steps include Senior Cabling Technician and Telecommunications Project Manager; lateral moves include Network Administrator and Electrical Technician.
What is the job outlook for Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles?
The outlook for Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) roles at 34 out of 100, which is low. AI can greatly assist in planning optimal cable runs and diagnosing network issues, yet the physical installation and termination of infrastructure remain firmly human tasks. AI is most likely to take on optimizing cable routing plans based on blueprints and site conditions, analyzing test results from network cable testers to pinpoint faults and generating compliance reports based on installation standards. Physically pulling and routing cables through conduits and plenums, precisely terminating and dressing patch panels and outlets by hand and troubleshooting and repairing complex physical cable faults on site stay with people. From following plans to validating AI-generated plans and precise physical execution. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.