Just as the technological world we live in relies on the foundation of fiber-optic and coaxial networks, the infrastructure of fiber cyclically relies on people to install and manage it.
With the introduction of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which provides over $42 billion in funding, fiber deployments are majorly expanding. And that means there is an expanding demand for a workforce in fiber optics to help close the digital divide in the country.
Broadly speaking, broadband technicians work on the installation, maintenance and repair of internet communication systems. Their primary focus is ensuring that these systems and the supporting equipment are properly functioning to facilitate high-speed internet connection and data transmission.
Along with laying and installing new fiber networks, technicians work with existing customer networks, running diagnostics to troubleshoot issues, perform fixes and maintenance on those systems.
One noteworthy upside of building a career in fiber is that demand in the technology isn’t going anywhere. Like a high-fiber diet, the current digital infrastructure relies on these networks to run smoothly. Furthermore, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality will continue to heavily depend on it in the future. Fiber is a time-tested, indispensable technology, and like an electrician or plumber, the trade of managing fiber networks is here to stay.
What does forging a future in fiber look like?
There isn’t necessarily a categorically linear professional path in fiber optics, and starting positions can depend on related degrees (such as engineering or telecommunications), certifications and experience in other related fields. But even without any of these, there are several overlapping points-of-entry that can kick-start a career in fiber. Some of these include:
- Fiber Optic Technician Assistant: aid technicians on their essential tasks like cable installations, system diagnostics, troubleshooting and terminations.
- Junior Fiber Optic Technician: take on basic responsibilities under supervision like testing, splicing and connectorization (attaching connectors to the ends of optical fibers to facilitate reliable connection to network equipment, devices or other cables).
- Technician Trainee: receive on-the-job training and mentorship on the fundamentals of fiber optic technology and telecommunications.
- Internships at telecommunication companies: Companies may offer Internship programs to provide hands-on experience in various aspects of fiber optics, similar to these other entry-level roles.
- Apprenticeships: may include a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, often involving fiber optic installations and maintenance.
Entry-level positions like these may vary company to company, with overlapping responsibilities and offered training. But many of these roles only require a high school diploma or equivalent and a willingness to learn the necessary hands-on skills (though some may prefer basic knowledge in fiber optics, and it never hurts to know more about the technology).
Brian Schrand, currently the VP of Application and Field Engineering at Clearfield, has worked in fiber for decades. He told Broadband Nation that while most of the work lies in on-the-job training, it is essential to understand the technology of fiber.
“When you hire on with an employer and you're doing on the job training, I would encourage you to ask if they do any type of investment in their technicians, into their people,” he explained. “What you learn on the job, some of those things may conflict with what you would learn through an accredited program.”
Programs may often be geared towards certifications from bodies like the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), which will offer a good base of fiber theory, “not just how to bang this stuff together, but how and why it works," as Schrand put it.
In 2024, the average salary for a fiber technician is $55,428 per year as well as an estimated $2,599 in additional pay, according to Glassdoor. More advanced roles like Telecom Technician III and Lead Telecom Technicians are reported to make upwards of $65,000 and $70,000 per year, respectively. Plenty pay higher, varying state to state. AT&T — as an example — is currently hiring Fiber Optic Technicians at $67,666 per year, and pay ranges up to $85,000.
Additionally, moving into specialties like fiber splicing may open up other lucrative opportunities.
From the field: real voices and reviews
A former fiber optic employee with AT&T leaving a review on Indeed said the best part of the job was “belonging to a common goal” where everyone was playing their part. “I'm new to the field, but working with professionals across the board is great,” they wrote. They also noted the hardest part of the job being long work weeks, sometimes reaching 60 to 70 hours.
Another fiber optic technician enthusiastically described working with Verizon Communications. "I loved working for the company. It was the best job I had. I liked everything about the company. I looked forward to going to work." They advised newcomers to take advantage of all the company benefits, and if they weren’t sure about them — ask.
Depending on the customer base, the work also includes bringing fiber connection to different peoples’ homes — which means “you never know what you are walking into,” as one former Google Fiber Technician wrote on Indeed. Still, the technician had “no complaints” about working with the company. They concluded, “Overall it was definitely a good job.
Another former technician at Google Fiber said they learned a lot about the fiber optic internet process while installing tech at people’s homes, and noted that the job required being resourceful, learning how to gaff poles and get comfortable with 40+ foot heights. “Hard, but worth the work,” they wrote.