Across U.S. metros, telecom equipment installers typically earn $3,955 more a year than solar installers (7%). In the 42 metros where BLS publishes both, solar installers earn more in 1 and telecom equipment installers in 41.
| Solar Installer | Telecom Equipment Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $58,285 | $62,240 |
| Lowest metro median | $26,340 | $34,690 |
| Highest metro median | $78,360 | $101,020 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +36.5% | -3.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,200 | 11,300 |
| Self-employed | — | 1% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 168 |
| Metros with pay data | 44 | 320 |
On safety, telecom equipment installers report more injuries that cause missed work (168 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 solar installers out-earn telecom equipment installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where telecom equipment installers out-earn solar installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, solar installers earn more in 3 states and telecom equipment installers in 29. The gap favors solar installers most in Nevada ($5,010) and telecom equipment installers most in Vermont ($32,310).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for solar installers, occasionally for telecom equipment installers. Loud noise: often for solar installers, sometimes for telecom equipment installers.
| Solar Installer | Telecom Equipment Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Sometimes |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Solar Installer
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
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.
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