Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
SOC Code: 49-2022
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers carries a 16% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,630 and -4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 156,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 16% AI exposure, Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers sits 21 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 3% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers has ai exposure of 16%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers (SOC 49-2022) carries an AI exposure score of 16%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 156,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -4.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $62,630, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
- 2. Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- 3. Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
- 4. Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- 5. Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
- 6. Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
- 7. Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
- 8. Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
- 9. Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
- 10. Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
Key Skills Required
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Equipment Maintenance
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers?
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers has an AI exposure score of 16%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers is projected to decline by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 156,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers?
Key skills for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers include Troubleshooting, Repairing, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers earn?
The median annual wage for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers is $62,630, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers?
The typical entry-level education for Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers?
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).