Across U.S. metros, telecom line installers typically earn $2,900 more a year than wind turbine technicians (5%). In the 7 metros where BLS publishes both, telecom line installers earn more in 3 and wind turbine technicians in 4.
| Telecom Line Installer | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $66,250 | $63,350 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,200 | $57,890 |
| Highest metro median | $108,670 | $77,950 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | -3.4% | +29.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 8,000 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | 5% | 15% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 379 | 133 |
| Metros with pay data | 235 | 8 |
On safety, telecom line installers report more injuries that cause missed work (379 vs. 133 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 telecom line installers out-earn wind turbine technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where wind turbine technicians out-earn telecom line installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Telecom Line Installer
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Compare one trade across two cities →