How to Become a Cable Installer

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 17, 2020 References

A career as a cable installer can be both challenging and fulfilling. However, while it seems like it is a simple field to get into, there are requirements you need to meet before an employer will consider you for a full-time position. You'll need to meet basic educational requirements, have some level of background in science and electronics, and be interested in the day-to-day responsibilities your job will present. Ultimately, after fulfilling requirements and putting yourself on the path to be an installer, you'll have a good chance of securing a position.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Meeting the Requirements

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Obtain a high school diploma. Almost all cable installer jobs will require you to have at least a high school diploma. Without a diploma, you'll be ill-prepared for the rigors of the job.
- A GED provides you with the same qualification as a high school diploma.
- If you don't have a diploma, consider taking night classes to earn your GED.^{[1]
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Enroll in a technical program. Locate a telecommunications or communications technical program at a traditional or online college. There are a wide variety of programs available that will prepare you with the knowledge you'll need to be a cable installer.
- Consider Job Corps' "Network Cable Installation" career pathway program. This is an 8 to 12 month program in which you will be educated and trained to become a cable installer.
- Many technical colleges and community colleges have telecommunications installation programs you can enroll in. These are typically 1 to 2 year programs from which you will earn either a certificate or a diploma.
- In some cases, you may consider taking individual higher education courses so you can gain familiarity with a given subject. Remember, though, employers may prefer candidates who have completed a certificate program or have earned a diploma.
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3
Take classes on science and technology. When enrolled in a certification or technical program, you'll have to gain a mastery of a variety of subject areas. Without this information, you won't have the basic skills or have the theoretical framework you need to succeed as a cable installer.
- You'll need to gain a familiarity with subjects like the properties of electricity and electronics, electrical engineering, and sciences like physics.^{[2]
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Take advantage of an internship or apprenticeship program. After you have your basic educational courses, you'll need experiences to move up in your career as a cable installer. With interning or apprenticing experience, a cable provider will be much more likely to higher you.
- Most companies have established programs. If they don't, you can call the company and arrange a time to meet with a technician to get some hands-on experience.
- Spend at least three to four months under the supervision of an installer or a technician getting hands-on experience.
- While apprenticeships were once very common, they are increasingly rare as many cable installers are often employed in entry level jobs at low pay before advancing.^{[3]
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Maintain a clean driving records. Another important requirement to be a cable installer is to make sure you have a good driving record. This is important, as cable installers are constantly on the road driving from service location to service location.
- If you have convictions for DUIs or reckless driving on your record, employers may not hire you. This is especially true if you are applying for a salaried job, where you will be driving a vehicle owned by the company.
- Consult a lawyer if you want to try to have your driving record expunged.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Getting a Job

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Search for positions. Once you've met basic requirements, you need to start a job search. While you can limit your search to the city or region you live in, you may want to consider a statewide or even national search.
- Visit websites like Monster.com or Indeed.com to find job postings.
- Find out the names of cable companies or contracting firms in your region and visit their employment webpage.
- Pay may vary based on region. For example, some high demand areas may have more opportunities and higher pay.
- Look for a full-time position as a salaried employee of a cable company.
- Apply for a job as a contractor for a cable company or a subcontractor.^{[4]
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Apply for jobs. Once you've found jobs to apply for, you'll need to successfully complete any application paperwork.
- Contractor jobs may have less paperwork associated with them, since you won't be a salaried employee eligible for benefits.
- Supply a list of references. References may include professors, mentors, or past supervisors.
- Complete the employment application. You'll need to provide your full name, social security number, phone number, home address, and more.
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Prepare for your interview. If a cable company or contracting firm contacts you after you've submitted your application, you'll need to prepare yourself for a face-to-face interview.
- Do a little research about the company. Know the scope and size of their operations.
- Speak slowly, confidently, and try not to let your nerves or anxiety get the best of you.
- Make sure to prepare yourself physically for the interview. You should shower, groom yourself, and wear freshly pressed professional cloths -- like a dress or a suit.
- Be ready to answer questions about your education or experience. For instance, an employer might question you about challenging installation jobs you had in the past.^{[5]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Learning About a Career as a Cable Installer

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Know the benefits of the job. Cable installers enjoy a variety of benefits in terms of compensation and time on the job. Some benefits include:
- You usually won't have to work in an office setting, and will get the opportunity to travel widely in your community.
- Your employer may provide you with safety equipment and tools.
- Your employer will provide you with training opportunities.
- The medium income is about $54,000 in the United States. This is $19,000 higher than average incomes for people with a high school education.^{[6]
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Accept career challenges. When becoming a cable installer, you need to be ready for a variety of challenges you'll encounter on a day-to-day basis. Ultimately, you need to be knowledgeable about these challenges before you decide to apply for a job.
- There is a chance you will have to travel long distances.
- You may have to work irregular hours, overtime, nights and weekends, or holidays.
- You will very often have to work in confined spaces, work on ladders or in the air, or in other challenging environments.^{[7]
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Educate yourself about career advancement. One of the good things about a career as a cable installer is the opportunity for advancement. Not only can you make decent money as a cable installer, but you can move up in the organization you work for and take on new and challenging jobs. Some opportunities for advancement include:
- Industrial or site-based telecommunications jobs. These jobs usually pay more and only include limited travel.
- Training jobs. If you get promoted to a trainer, your pay will increase and you won't have to spend much time in the field.
- Manager positions. With enough experience, you may eventually be promoted to a management role.^{[8]
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