Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers: $63,890 Salary Guide 2025 & Career Outlook
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers earn a national median salary of $63,890, with a mean wage of $68,500 per year (about $31 per hour). The typical range runs from $44,240 at the 10th percentile to $96,730 at the 90th. These figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 estimates.
Employment in this occupation stands at 140,920 workers. But the field is shrinking: BLS projects a 4.2% decline from 2024 to 2034, with about 13,200 openings annually due mostly to replacements.
How much Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers earn
The median wage of $63,890 means half the workers earn more and half less. The bottom 10% make $44,240 or less, while the top 10% earn $96,730 or more. The mean (average) hourly rate is $32.94.
Pay varies by industry, location, and experience. Entry-level roles often start near the 10th percentile, while specialized or supervisory positions approach the top.
Pay by state
Alaska leads with an average annual wage of $95,850, followed by North Dakota ($90,890), New Hampshire ($85,240), Vermont ($81,800), and Louisiana ($80,210). These states typically have higher costs of living or remote work requirements that drive pay up.
At the other end, Missouri pays an average of $57,610, Oklahoma $50,350, and Arkansas $49,740 — roughly $20,000 to $40,000 less than the top states.
How to become Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installer
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Postsecondary training (certificate or associate degree) in electronics or telecommunications technology is common and can improve job prospects.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a certificate or associate degree in telecommunications or electronics at a community college or technical school.
- Get on-the-job training, often under an experienced installer or repairer. This can last 3–12 months.
- Voluntary certifications (e.g., from the Telecommunications Industry Association or manufacturer-specific) may boost hiring chances.
- Some states or employers require a valid driver's license and clean driving record because installers travel to job sites.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment will shrink by 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 5,800 jobs. The decline is due to automation, remote monitoring, and reduced need for on-site equipment. Despite the drop, about 13,200 openings each year come from workers retiring or leaving the field.
Jobs will be most available in areas with expanding broadband infrastructure or in companies that upgrade older telecom equipment. Those with the latest technical skills (fiber optics, IP networking) will have the best chances.
Frequently asked questions
Is Telecommunications Equipment Installer a good career?
It offers solid pay (median $63,890) and a formal entry path, but the job market is declining. Good for someone wanting technical work without a four-year degree, but consider cross-training in related fields.
How long does it take to become a Telecommunications Equipment Installer?
Typically 1–2 years: a certificate (6–12 months) plus on-the-job training (3–12 months). An associate degree takes about 2 years.
What's the difference between Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Line Installers?
This occupation works on indoor equipment (phones, routers, switches), while line installers handle outside cables and poles. Salaries and training paths differ.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers data.