Telephone Installer and Repairer

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing

Interests: Telecommunications, telephone technology, electrical repair, electronics, computers

Earnings (Yearly Median): $85,420 per year $41.07 per hour

Employment & Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)

Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent

Related Work Experience None

On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training

Overview

Sphere of Work. Telephone installers and repairers install and fix telephones and telephone lines in households and commercial locations. Installers and repairers are also known as telecommunications technicians. They inspect where clients want their telephone installed and then complete the installation with appropriate hardware. For repair jobs, workers will examine the telephone’s components, including the wiring and telephone jacks, perform troubleshooting, and make the necessary repairs. Commercial jobs in telephone repair often involve the diagnosis and maintenance of large telephone networks.

Work Environment. The work environment of a telephone installer and repairer varies. When installers and repairers are not working in a repair shop, they travel to clients’ homes or businesses. Businesses with several phones and phone lines, such as doctors, dentists, and lawyers, commonly hire someone to install and maintain their office phones. Workers communicate with their supervisors, clients, and coworkers via the telephone throughout the day. While these environments are not particularly dangerous, the electrical components handled by a telephone worker can cause severe injuries if safety precautions are not heeded.

Occupation Interest. Telephone installers and repairers in the service industry are great problem solvers with a strong knowledge of the range of components in telephone systems. Workers in the industry have to keep up with evolving telephone and Internet technology. The profession tends to attract individuals with a strong background in electronics who enjoy solving problems individually and within a team dynamic.

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. When a client requests a telephone or telephone system installed, an installer must first connect the client's telephone wires to the outside service lines. Each telephone company has its own outside lines, which run underground or along telephone poles. If the line runs along telephone poles, an installer can use a ladder or a truck equipped with a bucket lift that raises them to the wire systems at the top of the pole. Indoors, the installer will run the telephone wires inside the walls, from the telephone to the outside service line. Then, they conduct tests of the line to ensure it is working correctly.

If a worker is called out for a repair, they examine the client's telephone lines and diagnose whether the malfunction is inside or outside. Once the problem is identified, repairers will determine whether they can fix it themselves or if further assistance is required. For both installs and repairs, workers use various tools, from basic hand tools to more specialized tools such as spectrum analyzers and polarity probes.

Work Environment

Immediate Physical Environment. In the telephone installation and repair business, corporate and residential locations predominate. Some telephone technicians work at the central office of the telephone company, where they maintain thousands of telephone and Internet connections. When they work outside, installers and repairers sometimes have to climb ladders or use lift trucks to reach telephone wires along poles.

Human Environment. Telephone installers and repairers work closely with supervisors, coworkers, and clients to ensure jobs are done correctly and efficiently. The job requires great communication and collaboration skills.

Technological Environment. Telephone installers and repairers use technologies that range from small hand tools, like wire cutters and screwdrivers, to more specialized instruments, such as diagnostic devices that can identify polarity and electronic signals. Handheld punch-down tools, known as krone tools, are also used to insert telephone wires.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary. Most telephone companies require that applicants have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Several introductory high school courses benefit a potential telephone installer and repairer, including computers, mechanical drawing, and mathematics. Some shop classes also provide basic instruction in electronics.

Postsecondary. Employers are always more likely to hire applicants with postsecondary training in relevant courses. Postsecondary training in computers and electronics is particularly valuable. Many technical and vocational schools offer two-year associate’s degree programs in relevant subjects, including electrical repair and computer science. Individuals seeking more advanced telecommunications work may consider a more encompassing four-year program.

Technical and vocational schools are great places for individuals to network with more experienced people in the telecommunications industry. Some even offer job placement programs and can make recommendations for new hires to telephone companies.

− Electrical Line Installer & Repairer

− Electronic Equipment Repairer

− Telecommunications Equipment Repairer

Bibliography

“Line Installers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

“Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/telecommunications-equipment-installers-and-repairers-except-line-installers.htm. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.