How much do telecom line installers make in North Carolina in 2026?

Telecom line installers in North Carolina earn a median of $56,680 per year, which works out to roughly $27.25 an hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That's the middle of the pack — half of installers in the state earn more, half earn less. If you're just starting out or working for a smaller contractor, expect to land closer to the 25th percentile at $46,880 a year ($22.54/hr). Experienced installers and those working on larger utility or fiber buildout crews can reach the 75th percentile at $73,650 a year ($35.41/hr). These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025.

That $26,770 spread between the 25th and 75th percentile is wide, and it reflects real differences in the work. Installing aerial cable along rural right-of-ways, splicing fiber in underground vaults, or pulling and terminating coax in commercial buildings are not the same job, even if they share a title. Complexity of the work, the type of employer, and geographic location within North Carolina all push pay up or down significantly.

North Carolina's telecom sector has seen heavy investment in fiber infrastructure, particularly in rural counties and underserved broadband zones. Line installers who can work on fiber — including fusion splicing, OTDR testing, and aerial strand lashing — typically command better pay than those limited to copper or coaxial work. Employers running fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) builds often require crews to move quickly across long routes, and installers who can self-direct on a route with minimal supervision are in demand.

The type of employer matters too. Utility companies and large telecommunications carriers tend to offer more stable schedules and consistent overtime. Subcontractors on broadband deployment projects may pay comparable base rates but can have more variable hours. Either way, overtime is common in this trade — many installers regularly work 45 to 50 hours a week during peak build seasons, which can add $5,000 to $10,000 or more to annual take-home pay depending on the rate.

Certifications add real leverage at the negotiating table. BICSI credentials, manufacturer-specific fiber certifications, and commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are all factors that separate higher-paid installers from the median. Installers who can climb poles and work at height with a bucket truck endorsement are also valued more than those limited to ground-level work.

No union scale data is available for this trade in North Carolina, so the ranges above reflect the full mix of union and non-union employment across the state.

Entry-level workers coming out of a community college telecom program or an apprenticeship — programs are offered at several North Carolina community colleges — typically start at or just below $22.54/hr. With two to four years of hands-on experience and demonstrated fiber skills, breaking past the $27.25/hr median is achievable. Getting to the $35.41/hr range generally requires specialization, supervisory responsibility, or a move to a metro market like Charlotte, Raleigh, or the Research Triangle where project density is higher and competition for skilled installers is stronger.

Location within the state makes a difference. The Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte metros tend to push wages above the statewide median, driven by higher project volume and cost of living adjustments from larger employers. Rural counties may pay at or below the median but sometimes offset that with consistent work tied to federally funded broadband expansion programs.

Bottom line: a telecom line installer in North Carolina can reasonably expect to earn between $46,880 and $73,650 per year depending on experience, skills, and employer. The median sits at $56,680. If you're targeting the top of the range, focus on fiber certifications, aerial work credentials, and getting onto utility-scale or FTTH projects where the hours and skill premium both work in your favor.