Fiber Optics Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Fiber optics technicians work with the optical fibers and cables used in transmitting communications data. Depending on the area of employment, technicians splice fibers, fuse fibers together, and install fiber cables beneath the ground and in buildings. These technicians work for telecommunications and cable companies, and other businesses involved in telecommunications. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that approximately 102,200 telecommunications line installers and repairers, including fiber optics technicians, are employed ...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Telecommunications line installers and repairers, including fiber optics technicians, had median annual earnings of $64,640 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Ten percent earned less than $40,180, and 10 percent earned $101,120 or more per year. Fifty percent of telecommunications line installers and repairers earned between $48,540 and $91,500.
Companies offer a va...
Work Environment
Fiber optics technicians who work as assemblers spend most of their time sitting at a bench. Technicians who work as installers usually work in the field installing fiber beneath the ground. There is little physical exertion required because machinery is used to dig the trenches. Fiber optics technicians spend part of their time outside repairing fiber, and part of their time in a van preparing...
Outlook
Job opportunities for telecommunications line installers and repairers are expected to decline by 3 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports that employment is "expected to decrease as many of the recent 5G infrastructure upgrades and government-funded broadband internet expansion projects are completed, reducing the number of workers need...
