Telecommunications Equipment Repairer
A Telecommunications Equipment Repairer, also known as a telecom technician, is a professional who specializes in the maintenance, service, and repair of communication networks and devices that transmit signals, including internet and telephone connections. These technicians work in diverse environments such as homes, offices, and commercial buildings and may also operate from repair shops. Their job involves diagnosing and fixing issues with various telecommunications systems like switchboards, telephones, and internet equipment, which often requires travel to client locations.
The role demands a hands-on approach, as technicians frequently utilize tools and technologies, including specialized equipment for troubleshooting. Safety is a significant concern, particularly when working at heights or with electrical components. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma, followed by postsecondary training in technology or electronics. Although the profession is projected to experience a slight decline in job opportunities, it still attracts individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working outside traditional office settings. The median earnings for telecommunications equipment repairers are around $62,350 per year, indicating a stable income for skilled professionals in this trade.
Telecommunications Equipment Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Traveling, working with your hands, solving problems, working with tools
Earnings (Yearly Median): $62,350 per year $29.98 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -3% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Telecommunications equipment repairers, also called telecom technicians, maintain, service, and repair networks and devices that carry communication signals, including Internet connections. These signals are carried over telephone lines and fiber-optic cables. Telecom technicians work in homes, commercial facilities, and office buildings. Technicians may take devices that require significant work to a repair shop. Repairers also perform installations of telecom equipment.
Work Environment. Work environments for telecommunications equipment repairers vary for each job. Offices, commercial facilities, and homes predominate. Depending on the job, workers may climb ladders or use trucks with lift buckets to reach telephone wires and rooftops. Repairers also work in communication centers, where telephone calls are routed. Job locations and repair shops are usually well-lit. Field workers spend some time traveling to and from clients. Working high off the ground in utility trucks can be dangerous, and safety guidelines should be followed. Telecom technicians also work with electrical components that can pose safety risks.
Occupation Interest. Each day of work can present a telecommunications equipment repairer with a different problem, so technicians must be able to apply skills and knowledge in varying circumstances. The profession typically attracts individuals who enjoy solving problems and working with their hands outside an office environment. A telecommunications equipment repairer must be willing to stay abreast of new technologies, tools, and repair methods. Driving to and from clients is often required, so a repairer should enjoy traveling.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Telecom technicians repair and maintain telecommunications systems that keep the public connected. These systems include telephone networks, switchboards, computer equipment, and radios. Field repairers will travel to a client’s location—home, office, or commercial building—to perform maintenance and repairs. Some repairers will work at the central offices of telephone companies and Internet service providers.
When a client calls for a repair, a technician will travel to the location with tools and other necessary equipment. To help diagnose the problem, the worker will examine telephone wires inside and outside the house, which may require them to inspect lines attached to telephone poles. For Internet malfunctions, the worker will test the connection using basic troubleshooting techniques and electronic devices. Repairers who work with radio technology service stationary equipment on transmission towers and mobile vehicle equipment. If the worker decides that a repair cannot be performed on location, they will call in more technicians or return the equipment to a repair shop for service.
Repairers who work at central offices maintain and service telephone exchanges. Exchanges are systems that connect telephone calls. Workers test connections on exchanges to ensure that the communication links are functioning correctly. These exchanges can sometimes feature complex digital components.
Central-Office Repairer Supervisors (822.131-010). Central-office repairer supervisors supervise and coordinate workers who construct, install, test, maintain, and repair electric power equipment.
Office Electricians (822.261-010). Office Electricians adjust submarine cable and terminal circuits and rearrange connections in cables.
Central Office Repairers (822.281-014). Central office repairers test, analyze defects, and repair telephone circuits and equipment in central telephone company offices.
PBX Repairers (822.281-022). PBX Repairers analyze and repair defects in telephones, switchboards, teletypewriters, and mobile radiophones.
Central-Office Installers (822.361-014). Central-office installers install equipment to select, connect, and disconnect telephone lines in the telephone company's central office.
PBX Installers (822.381-018). PBX installers install telephone switchboards, telephoto circuits, mobile radiotelephones, and teletypewriters.
Trouble Locators (822.361-030). Trouble locators locate malfunctions in telephone and telegraph lines and coordinate the corrective work of maintenance crews.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Telecom technicians typically work in repair shops at the offices of telephone companies. Field repairers work at a variety of locations, including offices and homes, in all weather. Their duties can involve working off the ground on telephone poles, ladders, and lift trucks.
Human Environment. Telecommunications equipment repairers collaborate with supervisors and colleagues. They also work closely with clients and often work to make sure clients have a clear understanding of how their telecommunications systems work.
Technological Environment. Repairers work with a wide range of tools and technologies. Telecom repairers use basic hand tools, including screwdrivers and wire cutters, as well as specialized equipment, such as spectrum analyzers and polarity probes. Telecommunications equipment includes electronic components and color-coded wires. Those who work in the field also use vans, ladders, and lift trucks.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Employers typically require applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate. Any high school courses involving electronics, computers, or mathematics will give future telecommunications equipment repairers a good understanding of industry fundamentals.
Postsecondary. Most employers require applicants to have completed relevant postsecondary training. Repairers who work at central offices are usually required to have a degree in a relevant field. Vocational, technical, and trade schools offer postsecondary training programs. Training programs in electronics repair, computer science, and communication technology will greatly benefit an aspiring telecommunications equipment repairer. Typically, these associate’s degree programs last two years, but an individual interested in more advanced work in the telecommunications industry may want to consider a four-year program.
Related Occupations
− Biomedical Equipment Technician
− Electrical Line Installer & Repairer
− Electronic Equipment Repairer
− Telecommunications Line Installer/Repairer
− Telephone Installer & Repairer
Bibliography
“Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/telecommunications-equipment-installers-and-repairers-except-line-installers.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.