Updated December 2023
Cable technicians set up and repair the lines that bring phone, internet, satellite, and cable TV services to all kinds of buildings. They’re responsible for installing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure the modern world depends on.
Considering a career in this field? Before you jump in, it’s important to know what your job options are and how much you can earn.
A cable technician salary will vary depending on factors like what specific area you focus on and how much experience you have.
We dug into government labour market data to see how much cable technicians make in various roles.
Have a look at the details so you can decide if this trade is right for you.
CATV technicians focus on cable television services in private homes, restaurants, hotels, and other settings.
They set up support accessories like cable racks and j-hooks, install transmission lines, and connect wall outlets. They also test cabling systems and troubleshoot any issues. For instance, they might need to replace defective cables or amplifiers.
Salary: According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, CATV technicians in Ontario earn a median salary of about $63,000.
The highest-paid CATV technicians in the province make over $86,000.
Network cabling specialists set up and service low-voltage communication systems. They make it possible for video, voice, and data to be transmitted within commercial and industrial buildings.
Network cabling specialists work with single line, coaxial, and fibre optic cables. They pull, mount, and terminate cables, install jacks and wall plates, select wiring closets, and make sure systems are working properly.
Salary: The median salary for network cabling specialists in Ontario is roughly $64,000, based on data from the Job Bank. The top network cabling specialists earn more than $83,000.
With experience, you can supervise and manage other cable technicians or go out on your own as a contractor.
Telecommunications contractors are responsible for training and scheduling workers, ordering materials, resolving problems, and making sure safety regulations are followed.
Salary: The Job Bank says telecommunications contractors in Ontario make around $86,000 as a median salary. At the high end, telecom contractor salaries can exceed $119,000.
So now you know what to expect in terms of a cable technician salary. But are there many positions available?
The Ontario government estimates that as many as 700 jobs for cable technicians should open up across the province between 2023 and 2027.
The Job Bank says steady population growth and a healthy construction industry will continue to generate opportunities for cable technicians across Ontario. Telecom service providers are also upgrading and expanding their internet infrastructure, especially in rural areas of the province.
The bottom line: Plenty of cable technicians will be needed in the years ahead.
You can get started as a cable technician by taking a short course at a trade school or career college.
Network cabling training can be completed in just 24 weeks.
A good program will teach you how to:
☑️ Handle single line, coaxial, and fibre optic cables
☑️ Understand network diagrams and blueprints
☑️ Pull, mount, strip, and terminate cables
☑️ Use testing equipment
☑️ Follow safety protocols
Bonus: You don’t need to be certified to become a cable technician in Ontario. Network cabling certification is available, but not required. That means you can go straight to work after finishing your training.
Some colleges offer combined electrician and network cabling training. Learning the fundamentals of both trades can lead to more job options and higher pay.
As a graduate of a combined program, you’ll have the skills to install and repair electrical wiring AND communication networks in buildings. That makes you a real asset on a job site, as Herzing graduate Leshan Patterson points out.
“The combined electrician and network cabling program provided me with all the training and tools necessary to walk into a job site and have an impact immediately on my first day," he told us.
"In my opinion, studying both trades gave me the foundation and skillset necessary to increase my earning potential and become a valuable member of any trades organization.”
Start by exploring the 24-week network cabling technician program at Herzing College.
Training covers the fundamentals of installing, maintaining, testing, and troubleshooting structured cabling systems for voice, video, and data.
Students get hands-on practice with industry-current cabling tools and equipment through our partnership with Transglobal Systems of Canada (TSOC).
Need more info?
An admissions advisor can walk you through the program and answer all your questions about course schedules, start dates, costs, financial aid, and how to apply.
Click below to get full details on the network cabling program and chat live with an advisor. We’re here to help!