Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Telecommunications Line Installer

SOC 49-9052.00 · ESCO 7422 · OSCA 342414

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Strings and maintains fibre optic, copper, and coaxial cables on utility poles and underground conduits, splicing connections and restoring service during outages. This role is crucial for ensuring reliable telecommunications infrastructure.

Ensures reliable communication services for homes and businesses, connecting communities and supporting essential infrastructure through diligent installation, maintenance, and repair of network lines.

On the job

  • Install and repair telecommunications cables on poles, towers, and underground.
  • Splice fibre optic, copper, and coaxial cables to establish connections.
  • Test lines to ensure proper signal strength and connectivity.
  • Identify and troubleshoot service disruptions and outages.
  • Operate various hand and power tools, and specialized equipment like bucket trucks.
Telecommunications Line Installer at work

Tools & technology

Cable splicing toolsOptical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)MultimetersHand tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers)Safety climbing equipment

Average salary

$65K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$45K Bottom 10%
$85K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

High school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training, an associate's degree in telecommunications, or an apprenticeship program.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Lead Telecommunications Line Installer
Telecommunications Supervisor

CURRENT ROLE

Telecommunications Line Installer

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

ADJACENT MOVES

Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications Apprentice
Utility Worker
Cable Installer Assistant

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCI

Individuals who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, working with tools and machinery, and solving technical problems in a systematic way often find satisfaction in this role.

Personality characteristics

Practical

Enjoys working with tools and equipment to build and maintain physical infrastructure.

Conscientious

Ensures precise connections and adheres to technical specifications for reliable service.

Calm Under Pressure

Remains composed and focused when troubleshooting complex issues or restoring service during outages.

Analytical

Adept at diagnosing technical faults and implementing effective solutions in the field.

Independent

Capable of working autonomously to complete tasks and manage field operations.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work and seeing tangible results.
  • Those who thrive on solving practical problems and restoring essential services.
  • People who prefer working independently or in small teams in a field setting.

Watch out for

  • Requires comfort with working outdoors in various weather conditions and at heights or in confined spaces.
  • Demands physical stamina and strength for lifting, climbing, and operating heavy equipment.
  • Occasional weekend or on-call work for emergency repairs and service restoration.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Telecommunications Line Installer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Team briefing
Equipment check & loading
Travel to site A & cable installation
Cable installation & splicing
Tue
Review service tickets
Travel to site B, troubleshoot customer outage
Customer interaction & service explanation
Perform routine line maintenance
Wed
Safety briefing & planning
Travel to new installation site & fibre optic cable pulling
Fibre optic termination and testing
Thu
Daily vehicle check
Travel to underground conduit site & cable installation
Splicing and connection verification
Fri
Weekly paperwork & reports
Travel to inspection area & aerial line inspection
Equipment maintenance & inventory
Team debrief & planning for next week
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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