Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers earn a median salary of $74,330 per year, ranking in the top 35% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -3.4% job growth through 2035, projected to lose jobs through 2035. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do telecommunications line installers and repairers earn?

The median annual wage for telecommunications line installers and repairers is $74,330. That puts telecommunications line installers and repairers at #286 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is telecommunications line installers and repairers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for telecommunications line installers and repairers is -3.4%, projected to lose jobs through 2035. Employment is projected to move from approximately 103K positions in 2024 to 99K in 2034, a net change of <1K. A declining outlook does not mean the field is disappearing; it means automation, demographics, or substitution effects are shrinking the pool of openings. Students entering a declining field should plan for adjacent skills that transfer to growing roles.

What education does my child need to become telecommunications line installers and repairer?

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  $74,090 median
• Commercial Divers
  $72,990 median
• Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other
  $68,990 median
• Rail Car Repairers
  $67,530 median
• Watch and Clock Repairers
  $67,230 median
• Millwrights
  $65,700 median

Common questions parents ask about telecommunications line installers and repairers