Telecommunications Technician Career Assessment
Installing internet, phone, and network equipment
Welcome
Telecommunications technicians install and repair the equipment that brings internet, phone, and TV service to homes and businesses.
You will explore what this tech-meets-trade career is really like and whether it fits you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Telecommunications Technician?
Telecom technicians install and fix equipment like routers, switches, fiber optic connections, and phone systems. They work in customer homes, businesses, and central offices. (This is different from line workers, who climb poles.)
The Reality: You will be in and out of customer homes and businesses, driving between jobs. Technology changes fast, so you keep learning.
Your Responsibilities:
- Install internet, phone, and TV equipment
- Connect and test fiber optic cables
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Set up routers and switches
- Work in central office equipment rooms
- Explain service to customers
- Keep records
- Drive to job sites
You keep North Dakota connected.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM — Pick up your service van. Five appointments today.
8:30 AM — Install fiber internet at a new home.
10:30 AM — Business call: phones are down. Find a bad connection and fix it.
12:00 PM — Lunch.
1:00 PM — Test fiber connections at the central office.
3:00 PM — Rural install: set up internet at a farm.
5:00 PM — Close out your work orders.
Varied, tech-focused work with lots of customer contact.
Training in North Dakota
Telecom workers are exempt from ND electrician licensing. Most techs complete an electronics program or train on the job.
Training Pathways:
- Electronics certificate (about 1 year): A strong start.
- On-the-job training: Many telecom companies train new hires.
- IT or networking background: Also helps (see the Tech assessments).
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- Bismarck State College (Bismarck) — Electronics Technology, 1-year certificate (on campus or online)
- Bismarck State College — Electronics/Telecommunications Technology AAS (new enrollment restricted as of Fall 2026; check with BSC)
- IT and networking programs at ND colleges (see the Tech assessments)
Before You Start: High school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license and good driving record. Comfort with technology and customers.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, tools, work boots, or exam fees. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Registered apprenticeships let you earn a paycheck while you learn — see jobsnd.com/job-seeker/apprenticeships for ND programs.
Certification & Licensing
Certifications are optional but helpful. Employers value cabling and networking certifications.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- BICSI Technician — structured cabling
- Fiber optic certifications
- CompTIA Network+ — networking basics
The Exams: Varies by certification.
Cost: BICSI Technician exam about $335–$400. Prices change.
Keeping It Current: Continuing education required.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $28.02–$30.20/hour ($58,280–$62,820/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $43.70/hour ($90,890/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $46.90–$49.59/hour ($97,560–$103,150/year)
What that means: ND pay is far above the national median.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 480 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 480 (about 2% growth). Expect about 40 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 4% fewer jobs.
Outlook: Stable in ND, with about 40 openings a year. Rural broadband and fiber projects keep ND techs busy.
Who Hires in ND: Telephone and internet companies, cable providers, telecom cooperatives, and business phone system companies.
Work Setting: Customer homes and businesses, central offices, and on the road. Some on-call.
Physical Demands: Moderate. Driving, climbing ladders, crawling in attics or crawl spaces, and lifting equipment.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 49-2022); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: Fiber Optic Specialist — Growing specialty.
Path 2: Network Technician — Move into IT networking.
Path 3: Central Office Tech — Work on core equipment.
Path 4: Lead Technician — Lead a crew.
Path 5: Network Engineer — With more school.
Path 6: Field Supervisor — Manage installers.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Strong ND pay
- Mix of tech and hands-on
- Rural broadband growth
- Training on the job
- Customer variety
What's Hard:
- Lots of driving
- Crawl spaces and attics
- Tech changes fast
- Customer frustration
- Flat national growth
Be Honest: Do you like technology and working with customers? Are you OK driving between jobs? Will you keep learning new tech?