A line installer works for a telecommunications company and is tasked with the installation of cable lines to new customers and locations. The job can include a variety of tasks, but typically involves examining the location to decide on the best way of installing the cables, then running cables through the appropriate spots, connecting them to the needed devices and running a final check to ensure everything has been done properly and there are no hitches. Line installers frequently work in pairs as the job often requires additional help.
Even though some companies may accept a regular high school diploma as sufficient qualification for hiring their line installers, in some other cases candidates may need a Bachelor’s degree in communications, engineering, or a related field – though these types of jobs are usually much more specialized and involve more complicated procedures, thus the higher knowledge requirements. A line installer will always need some basic understanding of electric circuits and electronic devices, preferably through high school education.
Line installers earn between $34,000 – $58,000 a year, with the most influencing factor being the company that employs them. Since the telecommunications market is not filled with that much competition, the choices of employment aren’t so varied in general either, and a line installer is usually forced to find work with a specific company. This creates a rather unfavorable job market and can make it difficult to find further employment.