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Wireless Internet installers, also known as telecommunications installers or electronic home entertainment installers and repairers, work with today's multimodal electronic equipment. They repair, adjust or install audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, and video systems, and work with wireless structures.

Telecommunications covers an array of electronics, including voice, video and Internet communications services. Wireless providers offer telephone, Internet and data services to customers with a signal that goes directly from a provider tower or network to user device. One significant development in the wireless Internet arena is the growing popularity of Internet-capable devices like smartphones and tablets.

With telecommunications, wireless devices and Internet capabilities changing rapidly, the best chances for employment in this field go to those candidates with the most up-to-date technical training. Most telecommunications companies prefer to hire telecommunications and wireless Internet installers with postsecondary training and updated skills. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average earnings in telecommunications exceed average earnings throughout private industry, so learning the trade and having quality skills is crucial.

Educational opportunities: wireless Internet installer

Most jobs in telecommunications, which includes wireless Internet installer, require at least a high school diploma and training on the job. Technological aptitude is also a plus. With technology changing so quickly, it's a good idea to keep your skills fresh with continuing education and training. Becoming certified in manufacturer-based hardware and software can also teach you the skills you need to know to perform your job and perhaps move to a higher position.

Salary and job outlook for wireless Internet installers

The BLS reports an hourly median wage for telecommunications line installers and repairers of $26.55, while telecommunications equipment installers and repairers made $27.60. The Occupational Information Network (ONET) reports a yearly median income of $49,110 for telecommunications line installers and repairers, which includes Internet line installers.

The BLS predicts little or no change in the employment of line installers and repairers from 2008 through 2018, though very good job opportunities are still expected. ONET predicts there will be 27,900 job openings for telecommunications line installers and repairers through 2018.

Top-paying cities for telecommunications line installers and repairers, along with mean annual wages provided by the BLS and cost-of-living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), include:

• Hartford, Connecticut--$63,940; Connecticut is number 47 in the country in terms of cost-of-living.
• Framingham, Massachusetts--$63,600; Massachusetts is number 41 in the country in terms of cost-of-living.
• Providence, Rhode Island--$62,470; Rhode Island is number 43 in the country in terms of cost-of-living.

While Alaska is the highest-paying state at $64,580, the cost of living is also high in the state, as well. The MERIC ranks it number 49 in the country in terms of the cost of living.

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