Even amidst a transition to wireless-based services from landline-based services, broadband technicians are needed to install, troubleshoot, and maintain telecommunication systems for clients. You could consider this career if you have a 2- or 4-year degree in something related to telecommunications. Your job would likely involve site visits to homes or businesses, as well as some office work and reporting.
Essential Information
A broadband technician installs, maintains and repairs telecommunication systems, including cable television, broadband Internet and telephone services. They frequently perform these services on-site at homes or businesses. Although the formal education requirements can be minimal, those with limited knowledge, training or expertise could face fierce competition. A degree in telecommunications or a relevant field could be beneficial as is training and certification from a professional organization for telecommunications installers.
| Required Education | Associate's or bachelor's degree in telecommunications or related field recommended |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | -3% for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers except line installers |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $61,470 for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Broadband Technician Job Description
Typically, working in the telecommunications industry, a broadband technician installs or maintains cable, Internet and telephone services delivered to a client's home or business. It is most common for these technicians to perform on-site installation and repairs, traveling to client residences or commercial locations.
Job Duties of a Broadband Technician
The day-to-day duties of broadband technicians vary by whether they work on routing at the central office or performing services on-site. Those who work at the central office or switching hubs usually require the most technical expertise, directing and routing broadband information to their destination and troubleshooting central problems. Daily duties for broadband installation technicians include:
- On-site installations
- Correction and repair of clients' broadband service
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Customer service and education
- Detailed record keeping
Broadband Technician Education and Job Requirements
According to the BLS, many employers recommend or require a college education for broadband technicians. A few schools offer certificate and 2-year associate degree programs specific to broadband technology and repair. However, associate and bachelor's degree programs in broadband, telecommunications, electronics or computer science could be beneficial as the field becomes increasingly competitive.
Broadband technician or installation certification and training from the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers or Jones/NCTI could also offer an advantage for initial employment or advancement. Broadband installation and repair technicians usually need a valid driver's license, since local and regional travel is common for the position.
Salary and Career Outlook Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the middle half of broadband technicians and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers made between $46,350 and $77,210 per year as of May 2020 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that these workers would see employment outlook decrease 3% between 2019 and 2029, due to the increasing demand for wireless services, which require less installation than landline-based services.
Broadband technicians work for telecommunications companies to install, repair, and maintain services such as telephone and cable television. Because of the competition within this field, a bachelor's degree is recommended before applying for jobs. New employees will need to learn how to interact with customers and use the company's specific technology, and they will likely need to be prepared to travel locally or regionally to visit client sites.
