Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Job Outlook
Employment of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Employment is declining in the telecommunications industries, specifically in wired telecommunications carriers, which employs most of these workers. Consumers are increasingly demanding wireless and mobile services, which often require less installation, instead of landline-based services. This shift in demand means that telecommunications companies are expected to require fewer telecommunications equipment installers. In addition, as equipment is becoming sturdier and requiring less repair, employment of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers may decline further.
Job Prospects
Some job opportunities should come from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Although job opportunities will vary by specialty, those with an associate degree and strong customer-service skills should have the best job prospects.
Technologies such as mobile video streaming and broadband Internet require high data transfer rates in telecommunications systems. Central office, PBX installers, and headend technicians will be needed to service and upgrade switches and routers to handle increased usage and volume, resulting in very good job opportunities.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
0%
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
-4%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program