Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content

Working as a Telecommunications Installation and Maintenance Worker

Industry Overview

The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly. The largest growth area is in wireless technology.  Competition in this industry is intense, and restructuring and downsizing are common. 

Companies will rely more heavily on graduates of colleges and technical institutes who are highly trained in the skills required to do the job.  Contract work is common for new graduates. As workers gain experience in this industry they may advance to supervisory positions.

Job Outlook in BC

Telecommunications line and cable workers

Image
job outlook for telecommunications installation and repair workers (NOC 7245)


Chart from Work BC

Telecommunications installation and repair workers

Image
job outlook for telecommunications installation and repair workers (NOC 7246)

Chart from Work BC

The Employment Outlook for BC provides job openings projections for Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers and for Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers within BC regions:

Image
employment outlook for bc for telecommunications line, cable, installation, and repair workers

You can learn more about working as a Telecommunications worker in BC from:

Types of Employers

You will look for work with telecommunication carriers and radio and television communications businesses, which are in the information and cultural industries sector because they employ the majority of these workers.

The construction industry is the next largest employer, with the remaining jobs spread among various industries and services.

Salary & Working Hours

In BC, the median annual salary for Telecommunication Installation and Maintenance workers is $61,108 with a median hourly wage of $29.30. The median annual salary for Telecommunications Installation and Repair workers, NOC 7246, is $61,671, with a median hourly wage of $29.57.

Many permanent full time telecommunication workers belong to a labour union. If this is true for you, then your wages and benefits are negotiated by union representatives on your behalf. In addition to a salary, you may also receive benefits such as health and dental coverage, paid vacation and sick days, and contributions to retirement income plans.

Sources: Work BC and Career Cruising database

Job Bank Canada, Wage Reports, provides hourly wages in BC regions:

Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers

Image
telecommunications line and cable workers regional wage

Source: Job Bank Canada, Wage Reports

Telecommunications Installation & Repair Workers

Image
telecommunications installation & repair workers regional wage

Source: Job Bank Canada, Wage Reports

Working Hours 

As a telecommunication worker, either as a Line and Cable Worker or an Installation and Repair Worker, you will usually work a regular 40 hours per week with some evenings and weekends included.  Also, you may be on call 24 hours a day or be called out to deal with emergencies.