Telephone and PBX Installers and Repairers

Overview

Telephone and PBX Installers and Repairers

Introduction

Telephone and private branch exchange (PBX) installers and repairers install, service, and repair telephone and PBX systems in customers homes and places of business. Approximately 215,700 telecommunications equipment installers and repairers are employed in the United States. 

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$57,910

Employment Prospects

Fair

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


Experience

Previous experience required


Skills

Computer|Interpersonal|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity


Personality Traits

Conventional|Hands On|Technical

Earnings

In comparison with workers in other craft fields, telephone and PBX installers and repairers are generally well paid. Their actual pay rates vary with their job responsibilities, geographical region, their length of service with the company, and other factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers were $...

Work Environment

Telephone installers and repairers often do their work independently, with a minimum of supervision. Especially during emergency situations they may need to work at night, on weekends, or on holidays to restore service. Most installers are on-call 24 hours a day. Most of the work is done in the field, in the homes and offices of clients. Some installation work is done outside, including work on...

Outlook

Employment of telecommunications equipment installers and repairers is expected to decline by 3 percent through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Sweeping technological changes are making it possible to install and maintain phone systems with far fewer workers than in the past. New computerized systems are very reliable and have self-diagnosing features that make it easy for repa...