Have you considered a career as a cable installer? Applying for a job as a certified cable installer can lead to many opportunities in the digital cable, internet, and phone industries. In some cases, cable installers also lay wires for home security devices or alternate forms of communication.
Cable installers are responsible for creating secure and reliable connections for residential and commercial locations with TV access, phone lines, and internet lines. In most cases, the cable is put in the ground and covered, so it’s not damaged or viewed by the general public.
All in all, when done correctly, locations will have proper cable access with the help of hidden cables. Cable installers can also add to or alter existing cables, based on company or residential needs that have outgrown their current cables.
In this post, we’ll help you learn more about cable installer jobs and what you should know to succeed.
What Are the Duties of Cable Installer?
A cable installer digs and places cables for home or work access. The cable is responsible for TV, communication, or internet access.
Are you planning on making a career out of your cable installer job? If so, take a look at what’s expected of you in the job.
As a cable installer, you’ll be responsible for laying and hooking up cables for a variety of industries. You might work for a single company that provides cable or internet, or you might be contracted out for different projects. Cable installers might be in charge of digging and laying infrastructure that connects houses to their cable source. Or you might hook up professional spaces and houses to a particular service.
One of the first things you’ll look at is the responsibilities of seasonal versus year-round employees. Seasonal workers often pop in for overflow and have limited responsibilities. On the other hand, full-time jobs come with year-round commitments and a well-rounded list of tasks.
In any case, keep in mind that seasonal work isn’t always steady or as consistent as a full-time gig.
Additional questions you should consider before signing on as a cable installer include:
Do you prefer salary or hourly work?
What are the continuing education requirements? Will you have to pay for schooling, or will the company pay?
Are you required to provide your own tools or equipment?
Are you required to provide your own transportation? If so, will your company reimburse you for fuel or car maintenance?
Are there sales requirements for the position? If so, is there a commission?
Necessary Education and Training for Cable Installer Jobs
Each employer will have their own set guidelines of what’s needed of cable installer employees. This will vary based on the type of work they do and should be listed in their job description. Most national companies will require an associate degree or certification program in:
Electronics repair
Computer science
Technology science
A similar field
More advanced jobs will prefer their employees to have a four-year degree in cable engineering or a similar field. Employees who have a four-year degree are more likely to move up through the ranks, receive promotions, and land higher-paying gigs.
The most advanced cable installer programs can last up to five years. They include programs of study in basic electrical engineering, telecommunications, physics, and mechanical engineering. Based on a particular job, a company might want more or fewer sections in each field.
Most cable installers are also expected to complete continuing education to keep up with the latest advancements in cable technology, connections, and cable or internet access. In many cases, certifications are available for these continuing education courses.
Entry-level positions are also available with no work or college experience. However, these jobs tend to require a high school diploma or GED. In these cases, companies may provide the necessary training for their new hires.
The Skills Needed to Succeed as a Cable Installer
Additionally, a cable installer should:
Maintain an inventory. Keep track of parts used and parts needed, as well as how much time was spent on each project. A good cable installer will have excellent bookkeeping skills.
Have proper color vision. Because a cable installer will need to keep track of various wires and place them as necessary, it’s important that they can see and identify colors. Workers who may be considered colored-impaired can use restorative glasses but should be cleared by an optimist or eyesight professional.
Have customer service skills. When working with residential customers, it’s necessary for the cable installer to talk directly with them. Each employee should be well-versed in talking to customers and dealing with potential issues and how to handle them.
Be able to troubleshoot. Each cable installer should be able to find and identify issues as they arise. This sometimes means finding the root of a problem and fixing it. The cable installer should also be able to test and follow up on the issue to determine if it’s been fixed.
Have technical skills. Cable installers will work with diagnostic equipment, setting up routers, modems, or TVs. Technical skills can help them get these items up and running.
Have a range of motion. Cable installers will need to bend, move, and use their hands fluidly to get the project done. This means a full range of motion, especially in small or tight areas.
How Much Do Cable Installers Make?
In 2019, the median hourly pay for cable installers was $27.84, and the median annual pay for this position was $57,910. While this industry is expected to experience a 6% decline in available jobs from 2018 to 2028, many homes and offices still use cable and will need regular maintenance.
Each company will have its own policy on wages, bonuses, or how it offers company shares. This includes aspects like overtime pay and weekend rates. Keep in mind that your experience and education can make you more competitive and lead to higher pay.
When considering a job as a cable installer, think about what aspects are most important and find a company that best suits your wants and needs. For instance, if benefits are most important, you may want to look for a full-time cable installer job that comes with a benefits package. However, if you prefer more flexibility, you may desire a part-time job instead.
Let Joblist Help You Become a Cable Installer
When looking at cable installer jobs, including what each might have to offer, utilize Joblist and our responsive search feature. Type in “cable installer job,” fill in your desired search area, and use search markers to find jobs based on income, benefits, or the type of company.
From there, you’ll be shown a list of available cable installer jobs. Click on each one for a full job description or to apply for the role. You can also compare each position and choose the one that best meets your professional needs.
If you’re not ready to apply, though, don’t worry. You can save your customized list and come back to it later. You can also get immediately notified when a job that meets your criteria becomes available.
To learn more about cable installation as a career and view open positions in your area, head to Joblist today. Our comprehensive website helps you hand-pick and choose the right jobs for you and your future.
