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Cable Splicer, Switcher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Communication technicians install, maintain, test and repair wiring or cable networks, as well as consumer or business communication equipment. They also work with:
They may work in residential, commercial or industrial settings, or specialize in installing/servicing certain types of telecommunication system components. They may also maintain and repair various types of radio frequency (RF), transmission and switching equipment. They are primarily involved in:
Duties and responsibilities can vary considerably from one position to another. For example, communication technicians are primarily involved in installing residential cable:
Those primarily involved in servicing residential cable systems focus on trouble shooting problems when they arise.
To perform their duties, communication technicians must be:
Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation. Communication technicians may work indoors or outdoors, and often travel to several work sites in a day. They generally work a standard 35- to 40-hour week, but may have to work overtime, particularly when weather conditions or other events disrupt cable or telephone service. Shift work may be required.
Stringing cable from utility poles may involve climbing and balancing on an aerial platform or pole in all types of weather. Communication technicians must observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury from electrical shocks, falls or hazards associated with cable splicing.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Communication technicians need:
Those who work in customers’ homes and businesses must be courteous, tactful and adaptable.
Communication technicians should enjoy operating tools and test equipment, diagnosing technical problems and doing tasks that require precision. They should be comfortable working with people.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 01, 2023 and Apr 19, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Repair or replace defective telephone equipment | 84 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Complete and maintain test and service reports | 83 |
| Tasks: Install, arrange, remove and maintain telephone equipment, wiring and associated hardware | 81 |
| Tasks: Inspect and test operation of telecommunications equipment | 80 |
| Tasks: Diagnose and locate equipment faults, and adjust, replace or repair telecommunications equipment | 79 |
| Tasks: Analyze test results and adjust, change or repair switching system, network, associated equipment and software | 68 |
| Tasks: Determine nature, cause and location of trouble | 66 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 65 |
| Tasks: Operate computerized testing systems to conduct service tests on customer lines and equipment | 64 |
| Tasks: Test installed telephone systems to locate transmission faults | 64 |
To work in Alberta, a communication technician may be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training each year plus 6 weeks of classroom instruction in each of the first three years and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the fourth year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Communication technicians install, repair and maintain telecommunication systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Communication Technician.
Communication technicians must be certified in the products they support. They need to stay up to date with changes in technology.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Communication technicians are employed by communication and cable companies that install, maintain, sell, rent or lease communications equipment, or install communications systems in the private and public sectors. The communications industry as a whole is experiencing ongoing expansion.
Communication technicians are employed by organizations in many sectors, including:
Experienced communication technicians may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, superintendent or quality assurance. They may retrain and transfer to other departments such as sales, engineering or systems design, or become an estimator.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers occupational group, 76.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson communication technicians wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $48 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 40% of the journeyperson wage in their place of employment in the first year, 50% in the second, 60% in the third and 75%
In additional to hourly wages, residential cable installers earn commissions for the extra services they sell.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $55.05 | $26.23 | $22.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $55.05 | $34.18 | $30.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $55.05 | $38.59 | $40.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $67,851 |
|---|
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
