Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $42,000 more a year than telecom line installers (63%). In the 48 metros where BLS publishes both, elevator installers earn more in 48 and telecom line installers in 0.
| Elevator Installer | Telecom Line Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $108,250 | $66,250 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,330 | $31,200 |
| Highest metro median | $173,920 | $108,670 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.7% | -3.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,900 | 8,000 |
| Self-employed | — | 5% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 379 |
| Metros with pay data | 53 | 235 |
On safety, telecom line installers report more injuries that cause missed work (379 vs. 101 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 elevator installers out-earn telecom line installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Telecom Line Installer
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
Compare one trade across two cities →