Why We Love It
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$39,670Potential Avg. Salary
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2.4%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
Cable internet installers primarily complete installations as well as service work to provide smooth internet services to subscriber residences. The role also involves giving customers helpful tips and educating them on their selected products and services.
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What is a Cable Internet Installer?
Cable internet installers are responsible for a range of duties, including the following:
- Completing new connections, re-connections and change of service installations, upgrades, downgrades and disconnections associated with the company.
- Installing system traps efficiently to prevent theft and confirm that customers are only receiving services ordered at the time of installation.
- Installing and sharing knowledge with customers on all issued equipment or services, wireless networks and connection of personal computers and devices utilizing the internet to connect to a company’s services.
- In a clear and professional manner, resolving any subscriber issues from the tap that feeds the subscriber to the customer devices and equipment, HSD Modem, and any other installed device.
- Accurately finishing all assigned paperwork in order to avoid loss of equipment, ensure correct billing and effectively close out all work utilizing correct completion or resolution codes, as per the company’s regulations.
Day in the life
Cable internet installers are assigned a list of jobs in the region. Using a company vehicle, they visit each side and resolve issues that arise. For instance, in a day, a cable internet installer can set up internet at a residential house or update copper wiring to fiber optics to improve the bandwidth of a company. There could be a sudden emergency assignment that you would need to address quickly.
Work schedule and typical hours
To make sure customers have access to service at all times, most cable internet installers work 40 hours per week. Sometimes cable internet installers may be required to work various shifts and function on a 24-hour on-call basis which may include weekends, to make sure connections are working and customers are satisfied.
There are some that may need to visit customer residences and business offices to address issues in person. An increasing number of cable internet installers are also freelancing, instead of working full-time for greater flexibility.
Growth of the job
Growth in cable installation jobs between the years 2010 and 2020 should remain about average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics. Cable internet installation jobs have some great benefits that include paid time-off, paid holidays, company vehicle (i.e. van or truck), medical/dental/vision/life insurance/long term disability/short term disability, 401(k) with company match and sometimes, a company stock purchase plan.
Cable installation has a lot of potential as the world is becoming more technologically complex and is dependent on services that require connectivity, like the internet. With minimal office time, cable internet installers also get to travel and spend most of their days outside, instead of being cooped up in a room all day. Many employers are keen on hiring cable installers that possess a driver’s license so that they can easily move around, whether it is to a client’s residence or carrying heavy tools.
Completing unique certifications can give candidates in the field an edge over others. Some organizations that offer certifications include the Fiber Optic Association, which has specialisations such as Certified Fiber Optic Technician, Certified OSP Technician and Certified Premises Cabling Technician. There is also the National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL) for technical diplomas and certificates.
Typical employers
Cable internet installers usually work for big cable companies such as Charter, DISH, Time Warner, Comcast, COX, or Cablevision.
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How To Become a Cable Internet Installer
Cable installers must at least have a GED or a high school diploma. Having a strong grasp of mathematics and reading can also fast-forward career success in the industry. In some cases, early cable internet installers might have to undergo some training or education specializing in the foundations, before the final job offer.
Training can also be completed via military service, and other post-secondary vocational programs available at community colleges. A 1-year certificate program or a 2-year associate degree is a good bet for many cable installers, giving them an advantage over untrained applicants.
Training programs can last between five weeks and two years, depending on the amount of material covered. A four-year degree can be more for advancement, and cable installers should have an ongoing education to keep up to date on the latest technologies.
Specializing in a college major like telecommunications, electricity, mechanical technology, physics, telecommunications technology and electronics can better equip you to find a well-paying job. In addition, your employer can require many years of training on-the-job before you can independently handle projects.
Cable Internet Installer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$28,960Average
$39,670High Range
$60,160National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$14/hrAverage
$19/hrHigh Range
$29/hrHow do Cable Internet Installer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Cable Internet Installer's can make an average annual salary of $39,670, or $19 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $28,960 or $14 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#534 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Cable Internet Installers
- 0.2% Doctorate
- 0.7% Masters
- 10.7% Bachelors
- 15.4% Associates
- 31.2% College
- 35.3% High School
- 6.6% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
29,6002024 Est. Jobs
30,300Job Growth Rate
2.4%Est. New Jobs
700How does Cable Internet Installer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 700 jobs for a total of 30,300 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 2.4% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#540 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Cable Internet Installers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics and appliance stores | 8,300 | -900 | -1% |
| Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance | 4,600 | 100 | 0% |
| Other building equipment contractors | 3,900 | 600 | 1% |
