Cable Installer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cable installer. Feel free to use our cable installer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cable installer.
Who is a Cable Installer?
A cable installer is responsible for installing and repairing cable lines in homes, offices, and other structures as needed. While some cable installers maintain standard business hours, others work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate their customers’ schedules. Due to the possibility of responding to a widespread outage and troubleshooting issues, cable installers’ schedules may include overtime and on-call hours.
A cable Installer connects residential units to external cable lines, runs new lines as needed, and configures cable boxes and Internet modems. Additionally, a cable Installer demonstrates to customers how to use the cable company’s specialized remote controls and digital video recorders (DVRs). Certain installers are also skilled repair technicians who respond to service calls from individuals experiencing system malfunctions.
When a cable Installer arrives at a customer’s residence, he or she inspects the indoor outlets and outdoor feeder lines to ensure that the residence is ready for connection. The installer typically operates a company vehicle that is equipped with splicing tools, outlet covers, splitters, and other materials necessary for professional installation. After connecting the house to the outside lines, the installer inspects the customer’s televisions, modems, and wireless adapters to determine the optimal configuration for the system. He or she connects one end of a coaxial cable to a wall outlet and the other end to a cable box, digital video recorder, or television.
Following the completion of all connections, the installer typically checks the customer’s devices to ensure they are functioning properly. He or she resolves minor issues and instructs the subscriber on how to operate the equipment. The installer answers any questions the customer may have and collects payment for his or her services via signature or direct deposit. A skilled technician employed by a large company may complete a dozen or more installation jobs in a single day.
Typically, all that is required to become a Cable Installer is a high school diploma. Many prospective employees, on the other hand, choose to improve their credentials through six-month to two-year training programs at vocational schools. Typically, a new cable Installer receives several weeks of classroom and on-the-job training to familiarize himself with company systems and policies. He or she will accompany experienced technicians on house calls to learn about cable connections, unit testing, and payment collection. In about three months, the majority of companies allow new installers to begin working independently.
The majority of people who work as telecommunications technicians begin their careers as cable Installers and advance through the ranks of their employers through experience and continued education. An installer who excels at his or her job may qualify for a service technician position, which involves maintaining and repairing cable lines and outlets. A professional can typically advance to the positions of lead supervisor, dispatcher, or administrative worker at a cable company over time.
The majority of a cable installer’s duties are performed outdoors, and inclement weather can create an uncomfortable work environment. When installing new cables, workers may need to use borers or trenchers to create openings for the lines to be buried, or the cables may need to be hung from towers or poles. Storms and aging can damage cables, necessitating the location and repair of the issue. In comparison, cable technicians spend the majority of their time indoors, installing or troubleshooting equipment in customers’ homes, offices, or buildings. They must inspect internal phone jacks and wiring, adjust equipment to improve reception or replace outdated or malfunctioning equipment. After the installation is complete, cable technicians test the equipment and then demonstrate how to use it to the customer.
Cable Installer Job Description
Below are the cable installer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cable installer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a cable installer include the following:
- Installing cable racks, j-hooks, and inner ducts, as well as other supporting structures for cable systems.
- Inspecting cable lines to ensure they are operating properly.
- Troubleshooting network communication problems
- Utilizing test equipment to determine the signal’s strength and connection.
- Maintaining company vehicles, and informing management of any damage or necessary repairs.
- Adhering to all applicable driving and safety laws while operating a company vehicle.
- Engaging in cable line installation and repair for customers and clients, which typically includes cable, internet, and communications lines.
- Conducting tests to ascertain the source of an issue
- Troubleshooting and informing customers of a critical issue
- Replacing equipment that is not functioning properly
- Evaluating a system to ascertain its efficiency
- Choosing the right equipment for the job
- Keeping an eye on inventory and requesting reorders as necessary
- Adhering to equipment manuals to ensure proper installation and repair of cables
- Preventative maintenance of equipment
- Identifying the optimal strategy for delivering the strongest signal to customers
- Responding to customer complaints and assigning installers and technicians as the company’s schedule permits
- Responding to customers’ inquiries regarding their telecommunications order
- Providing customers with general troubleshooting instructions
- Inducting new employees
- Adhering to safety procedures to avoid injury
- Recommending additional services or products to meet the needs of customers
- Working outside in a variety of weather conditions
Qualifications
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent when applying for cable installer or line installer positions. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire line installers who have completed a formal apprenticeship – which can last up to five years – or a postsecondary program in electronics or telecommunications. However, the majority of training occurs on the job. Employers of cable installers, according to the BLS, prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary program in electronics, such as an associate degree from a community college and are computer literate.
Additional qualifications include the following:
- Prior experience working as a cable Installer.
- Strong mathematical, scientific, and electrical system knowledge.
- Capable of installing sophisticated internet and television equipment.
- The capability of working in confined spaces.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Capable of diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving any issues that may arise.
- Capable of working at a height.
- Capability to identify and learn color codes.
- Valid driver’s license
Essential Skills
- Customer Service
If you can provide excellent customer service, it will enhance your job satisfaction, keep customers satisfied, and benefit your business. Begin with a pleasant, optimistic, and professional demeanor. Be prepared and willing to respond to all of your customers’ inquiries. After all, you are the authority on the subject! Be meticulous in your work and ensure that customers have everything they require before you leave. For instance, you may be required to demonstrate the operation of their new cable box or internet router and to answer technical questions. Alternatively, it could be as simple as assisting them in configuring their network name and password. Bear in mind that technology can be perplexing for some people, which means you must be patient and respectful throughout your customer interactions.
- Communication Skills
To deliver exceptional customer service, you must possess strong communication skills. You’ll meet with customers in their homes and places of business. You might even call or email them to confirm appointments. Throughout, you’ll want to ensure that your communication is easily understood. After all, you may require technical information to be translated into plain ‘old English. However, don’t overlook the other side of effective communication: listening. Maintain focus and vigilance to ensure that you are fully aware of the status of your customers’ service and equipment.
- Excellent Work Ethic
You’re going to be busy as a cable installer. Not only will you be required to work hard, but you will also be required to travel between jobs and work alone, particularly in smaller, residential jobs. That means you must be self-motivated to perform well. You won’t have a boss or coworkers on-site to provide motivation. However, you are capable of doing so!
- Troubleshooting
Occasionally, your job will be fairly straightforward. You are aware of your options. You’ve done it previously. However, occasionally, while installing cable, satellite, or internet equipment, you might run into a snag or two. You’ll need to assess the situation calmly, rationally consider what’s wrong, and devise a solution. This is especially true for jobs that require you to work alone.
- Basic Electronics Knowledge
When you understand the fundamentals of electronics, you will gain a better understanding of what occurs during system installation and how to troubleshoot problems. You should be familiar with the following concepts: Ohm’s Law; series, parallel, and combination circuits; resistance; magnetism; and inductance. Practical experience with these theories and fundamental operations will aid in your comprehension of the concepts. Furthermore, practice makes perfect!
- Understanding of System Installation
Before you can pursue a career installing wired and wireless systems, you must first learn how to do so. You’ll need to be familiar with all types of equipment, tools, and materials, as well as the processes associated with various types of installations. You’ll need to understand how to install, terminate, and repair copper, coaxial, and fiberoptic communications cables, as well as how to connect them to telephone systems, multiplexers, and modulators. You will be better prepared to begin work if you can simulate real-world situations in a laboratory setting while you are learning.
How to Become a Cable Installer
The most effective way to gain experience as a cable Installer is to work in the field. This can be accomplished through an internship with a cable company or through academic training in a relevant field. While extensive academic credentials are not required to install cable TV, working knowledge of mathematics and physics will help your job application stand out from the crowd.
Numerous cable companies worldwide offer internship and training opportunities for aspiring cable installers. Indeed, almost all businesses prefer installers who are intimately familiar with their proprietary networks. By enrolling in one of these programs, you will be able to work for a specific company as a cable Installer. Along with completing a training program successfully, you must possess a high school diploma.
If you are currently enrolled in high school, it is in your best interest to enroll in advanced mathematics and physics courses. While these courses are not required to become a cable Installer, many employers prefer candidates who have completed advanced academic coursework. If you want to work in the cable industry without completing an internship, you should consider earning an associate’s degree. Numerous colleges and universities worldwide offer associate’s degrees in installation techniques and skills.
Generally, most cable Installers work as interns for at least three months before applying for full-time positions. You can become an installer by combining a strong academic background with positive internship experience. To begin your internship search, contact local cable companies. If no internship program is available, inquire about working as an apprentice for a few months with a company installer.
To begin your search for a permanent position with a cable company, contact local companies directly. Additionally, spend time scouring newspaper job listings, Internet job sites, and even job placement agency listings. The salary of a cable Installer varies by company and location, but this is a steady job that frequently includes benefits.
Along with the necessary training, you’ll need excellent communication skills. Because installers interact with customers daily, having a charismatic personality is advantageous. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly become a cable Installer.
Where to Work as a Cable Installer
The majority of cable installer positions are offered by telecommunications companies that want to run telephone, television, and internet lines to customers’ homes. However, there are a few cable installer jobs available in other positions. For instance, certain cable installers focus exclusively on secure facilities and must pass a thorough background check.
Cable Installer Salary Scale
In the United States, the national average salary for a Cable Installer is $43,284 per year.