Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $24K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers land at $74,330 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: telecommunications line installers and repairer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers is Rhode Island ($103,810); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers earn more nationally. The median is $74,330 for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $24K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to -3.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers get paid the most?
Rhode Island is the top-paying state for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers at $103,810/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers earn $103,410 vs. $60,760 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.