The basic definition of a structured cabling system is whatever cabling and hardware makes up the workings of a telecommunications infrastructure. These systems are employed for many different uses — data transference and telephone service being the most common. These systems are installed by structured cabling technicians, who are trained with a solid knowledge base in the install maintenance and repair of various cabling systems.

One of the most difficult things about structured cabling is that every system is completely unique. Most all have similar hardware and products, but they vary greatly from building to building. The architecture will dictate a lot about a system, and will help decide what cabling and connection products to use. You need to create a system based on the everyday functions required, as well as the what equipment it needs to be able to support, both today and down the road. Often times you will be dealing with a previously installed cabling systems, and will have to decide how to upgrade or retrofit the system, or if you recommend tearing it out and installing all new cable. And customer demands are the biggest complication to deal with — everyone wants the highest functioning system for the least amount of money, and those in the structured cabling field sometimes have to get creative to satisfy their clients while staying in a specific price range.

Those interested in becoming a structured cabling technician should be fond of math, physics and electronics. The most common road for training is through a technical institute or vocational school. These organizations generally offer a two year program that covers the basics of computer knowledge, cable specifics, circuitry, and networking skills. There are also four year college and university programs that have courses and degrees in structured cabling, which allows you to obtain a broader knowledge base and receive more hands on experience in the lab. There are also a few associations out there that offer quick certifications for those looking to jump into the business. For example, the Fiber Optic Association has a Certified Premises Cabling Technician certification which quickly and efficiently gets students comfortable with UTP copper, fiber optics, and wireless technologies.

Once you have attained the proper training, the day in a life of a structured cabling technician can involve anything from installing new cabling, routers and switches, to testing systems for safety. Technicians are the ones to decide on the final locations for network hardware, they find and fix all networking and cabling issues, and repair any faulty equipment. There is also an option to go through higher level training and become a technician who designs new systems and improves existing systems.

The average salary for a technician is around $70,000 a year, though it varies greatly with location, company and your experience level. The outlook for jobs in structured cabling is looking great though 2014. As the IT field continues to surge upward and new technology keeps hitting the market, more and more systems will need to be installed or upgraded.

Looking for cabling jobs in the greater Los Angeles area? There may be more options than you think. With a large population and high residential density, Los Angeles offers cable installers and technicians many choices as to the nature and sustainability of their work. Being a major U.S. city, L.A. represents a large public and private business presence, as well as a strong government and military involvement. The opportunities to apply the skills and training of structured cabling are numerous.

In Los Angeles, like in most parts of the country, there are the usual cabling jobs to be found. Many L.A. jobs for cablers are with television cable providers, telecommunications firms and installation tech companies. These jobs deal with selling the services of internet and cable to homes and businesses and then installing and maintaining the systems needed to run them. Cabling engineers, skilled technicians, installers and customer service representatives are the normal fare of workers with such organizations. However, if you have the education and wish to take your skill set into different areas, L.A. is a good place to begin looking.

One example of a different sort of company that is looking to hire cabling techs is the National Guard. At the Los Angeles, Long Beach outpost of the Army National Guard they are seeking a cable systems installer. Unlike seeking a cabling job in L.A. with a more traditional employer, you can apply for cabling work with military agencies having had no experience or training. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of working with the national guard is that they will pay you to train in the field with them. The military is also more likely to offer health benefits, life insurance and even retirement plans to individuals who join up, right from the beginning. Another plus to working with an organization like the national guard is the degree of emphasis placed on the importance of the work. Communications specialist like cabling techs are especially needed for the efficiency of order getting delivered and missions getting completed. The National Guard offers these military upsides while still getting to live in the exciting city of L.A. While you may not have considered it previously, the military has wonderful opportunities for cabling techs, including cabling jobs right in Los Angeles.

Another less conventional L.A. Cabling job, is a cabling equipment installer for cars, auto-vehicles and other forms of transportation. These cabling systems are smaller and often run through cellular 2G and 3G systems. Navigation Solutions, an L.A.-based GPS and trip-planning technology installation company is looking for a new technician. Like most GPS this tracking technology requires mobile network technology and cabling materials that can both integrate into auto systems, but that can also withstand the demands of auto travel. This kind of work differs from what most L.A. cabling jobs require, but can be a new and exciting challenge for L.A. cablers. It will also get you out from behind a desk and into the world. L.A. offers a true variety of cabling jobs, so if you’re seeking sheer volume, looking for something new, this California Urban center is sure bet.

In the U.S. Structured cabling market, there are a vast number of employment opportunities. Depending on the needs of the community and the economy both at home and at large, individuals with an interest or education in the cabling field will have options to sort through on the way to good solid work. In Los Angeles, the market is very broad, and because of this, L.A. Cabling jobs are quite available. However, finding the right fit doing the right sort of cabling work is more challenging. While there are many subcategories, and certainly job titles and descriptions may vary, most Los Angeles cabling work can be divided into two sections: Large corporation jobs, like those with Time Warner and other household names, and smaller contract based company jobs. Each mode of employment has its benefits and its pitfalls. It is really most important to examine these pros and cons as they affect your needs as a cabling professional.

Larger companies like Time Warner Cable or Comcast provide cabling service both to homes and residences and to businesses and office buildings. These companies have many branches, including sales and marketing wings to help move the product of their cable service. In most areas, they provide internet cabling and network television hook-up and are also often affiliated with the production of local TV and entertainment. Large, nationwide operations like this are usually more stable than smaller and newer companies. The employee benefits are standardized as are the hours and the positions available to be filled. If you are looking for cabling jobs in L.A. it is a wise move to send your resume in the direction of larger companies, even if it is not your preference for work. Because these cable providers own a great scape of the cable networks in urban areas, they have more potential to grow and require new cable installers in places like Los Angeles. A standardized pay rate can be a wonderful thing; you can depend on your pay growth to occur when it ought to. However, this also means that even if your work or experience merits a pay raise or a promotion, you often must wait for the standardization to catch up to you. Saying that the work is simpler with large companies is also somewhat of an inaccuracy. If you’re in a cabling job in L.A. with a large provider you will need to have training and experience. Generally to work will be similar: traveling to homes and businesses to install cable network connections, though occasionally you’ll need to problem-solve a connection issue, and corporate practices may get in the way.

Though Los Angeles is a big city, not all of the cabling jobs are with large companies. Smaller operations do exist for cabling employment in L.A. The work is less standardized, and if you land a job with a small contractor, you may be asked to put into practice more of your cabling skills. The economy is difficult and thus the likelihood that a small or new business will succeed is less than that of a larger staple. The big benefit is usually that there is more freedom. The trust in your work needs to be greater and there will be fewer corporate policies. Your stake in the company can also be larger, as you will have closer personal relationships to the other members and more influence on the operations. The employee benefits are also not as stable in smaller companies, though usually employers do try to make the job worth your while. For L.A. cabling jobs, it is pertinent to look everywhere, but it s also useful to know what you need from a job to happy in and out of your work.

Los Angeles is a wonderful place to look if you are seeking cabling jobs. Cabling employment in plentiful in both the city proper and the whole of L.A. County. With a reported population of more than 9 million people in 2012, and a population density that continues to tighten, there are lots of people, and lots of companies that require cable installation and maintenance. As the market grows so too do the contracting companies and cabling businesses. A quick glance at an employment or job-finding website can give you feel for just how great the amount and the variety of structured cabling jobs there is in the greater Los Angeles area.

All though the economy is recovering and the cabling market is growing in southern California, if you are looking for L.A. jobs in cabling, you will still have better luck if you have some training and experience. If you have experience as a technician, particularly working with computer networking, Spencer Technologies is looking for a field technician in their L.A. branch to help their clients understand and install the retail cabling equipment that they purchase for their homes and businesses. Predominantly a POS systems company run with IBM technology, the hourly pay begins at $18.00 and hour and the position is full time.

Structured cabling jobs in L.A., like those in most of the U.S. and Canada generally require a certification and some experience. Especially if the compensation is good and fair, education and/or on the job experience is desirable. These positions often are filled by those who have a wide scope of experiences and can work is multiple technologies and systems. If a company can hire one person to do several different jobs, they will- it is cost and time effective. Telecompe Enterprises, for example, is seeking a low-voltage telecommunications technician that can fulfill a wide variety of responsibilities. Though this is an entry level position, they are seeking a cabler who can work with phone networks, computer networks, and other technological systems. As a cabler, seeking a cabling job in L.A., you must consider not only the work to be done or the pay to be received, but also the cost of living in an expensive place like Los Angeles. Telecompe does not report a pay rate for this position, but instead offers that it is negotiable based on experience. While it can be difficult when knee-deep in rigor of the job hunt, it is important to make a budget and stand up for the money you need to make taking the job feasible.

Another factor to be considered when seeking jobs for cablers in Los Angeles is the physical requirements involved. Ironically the biggest physical requirement is the ability to drive. You need a valid CA drivers license to apply for most L.A. cabling jobs, both because driving to cabling sites is needed to complete the work, and also because there really is no public transit there, so you’re going to have to drive to your job every day. Other physical requirements include crawling, climbing ladders, and using power tools. All that aside, L.A. Is an exciting place to live with beautiful weather. You’ll be close to the beach, and the urban growth of the city will keep cabling work available and growing. Los Angeles is worth examining if you are looking for cabling jobs.