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Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 651 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 36% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Designate cables available for use.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Perform database verifications, using computers.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Very similar work
    +20% pay31 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 20% more—$83,357 vs your $69,622 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Near Vision
    • Problem Sensitivity

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

    Very similar work
    +49% pay772 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 49% more—$103,817 vs your $69,622 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Telecommunications
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • English Language
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Computers and Electronics

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Signal and Track Switch Repairers

    Similar work
    +40% pay238 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 40% more—$97,208 vs your $69,622 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Troubleshooting
    • Visual Color Discrimination
    • Quality Control Analysis
    • Critical Thinking
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Transportation
    • Mechanical
  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    +79% pay12,294 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 79% more—$124,706 vs your $69,622 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Information Ordering
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Design
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Transportation
    • Rate Control
  • Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    slightly less pay82 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$64,142 vs your $69,622 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Near Vision
    • Quality Control Analysis
    • Troubleshooting

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction