Will “Telephone Technician (Phone Technician)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

36% Chance of Automation

“Telephone Technician (Phone Technician)” will probably not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #254 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Install, set-up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 49-2022.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 54,520.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 228,430 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Telephone Technician (Phone Technician)”

Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
Designate cables available for use.
Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.
Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
Install updated software, and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features such as time-correlated call routing.
Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components, and painting worn or exposed areas.
Perform database verifications, using computers.
Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.
Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.
Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.
Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.

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