Across U.S. metros, electricians typically earn $200 more a year than telecom equipment installers (0%). In the 320 metros where BLS publishes both, electricians earn more in 168 and telecom equipment installers in 150.
| Electrician | Telecom Equipment Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,440 | $62,240 |
| Lowest metro median | $33,630 | $34,690 |
| Highest metro median | $105,500 | $101,020 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.2% | -3.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 72,700 | 11,300 |
| Self-employed | 7% | 1% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 97 | 168 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 320 |
On safety, telecom equipment installers report more injuries that cause missed work (168 vs. 97 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where electricians out-earn telecom equipment installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where telecom equipment installers out-earn electricians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Telecom Equipment Installer
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.
Compare one trade across two cities →