Technology
Fiber / Broadband Installer
Fiber/broadband installers are active, customer-friendly people who enjoy working with technology and bringing high-speed internet to homes and businesses. This role suits those who like hands-on outdoor and indoor work, problem-solving, and new technology. You should be reliable and comfortable working at heights. No college degree is needed. It’s a great option for job seekers wanting fast-growing, stable work in the expanding telecom field with good pay.
Median wage
$35.73/hr
Physical demands
medium
Drug test
Varies by employer
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$21.79–$26.11/hr
Median
$35.73/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$46.08–$49.85/hr
Projected openings / year
8,900
-3% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Good physical condition for climbing and lifting
- Basic customer service and communication skills
- Willingness to learn safety practices and get certified
Training structure
Training is typically short and practical. Many complete a 4 to 12-week program or employer-provided training. You learn fiber optic installation, cable handling, splicing, testing, and safety. On-the-job mentoring is common. Certifications from manufacturers or industry groups help you start quickly.
Top credentials
- FOA CFOT (Fiber Optic Technician)
- BICSI Installer
- OSHA 10
- Aerial Lift Certification
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Fiber installer or technician
Mid-Level: Senior installer or crew lead
Advanced: Supervisor, trainer, network technician, or project manager roles
With experience and certifications, you can advance rapidly in a high-demand industry.
Typical employers
Internet service providers, telecom contractors, utilities
A day in the life
You begin by loading your truck and driving to customer sites. Your day includes running fiber cables, installing equipment, connecting services, and testing signal strength. You interact with customers and solve installation issues. The work mixes outdoor line work with indoor setup and ends with the satisfaction of providing fast, reliable internet.