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Entry Level Fiber Optic Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Fiber Optic information

See Kansas salary details

$13

$24

$40

How much do entry level fiber optic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level fiber optic in Kansas is $24.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $28.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level fiber optic technician do?

An entry level fiber optic technician assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing fiber optic cables used for telecommunications and data transmission. Duties often include splicing cables, testing connections, troubleshooting issues, and following safety protocols. Technicians may work indoors or outdoors, sometimes in challenging environments, and typically use specialized tools and equipment. This role provides foundational training and experience for a career in the growing field of fiber optics.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level fiber optic technicians during their initial projects?

Entry-level fiber optic technicians often encounter challenges such as accurately splicing fiber cables, troubleshooting signal loss, and working in various environments like outdoor job sites or confined indoor spaces. Adapting to strict safety protocols and learning to use specialized testing equipment can also require extra attention. However, with hands-on training and support from more experienced team members, new technicians quickly develop the skills needed to succeed and advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fiber optic technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fiber Optic Technician, you typically need a basic understanding of telecommunications, strong problem-solving skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with fiber optic testing tools, splicing machines, and certifications like FOA (Fiber Optic Association) Certified Fiber Optic Technician are often beneficial. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of fiber optic systems, which are critical for reliable network performance.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fiber Optic vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Fiber OpticFiber Optic Technician
CertificationsBasic fiber optic certifications, such as FOA or OSHA safetyAdvanced certifications like FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
Work EnvironmentInstallation sites, maintenance, and testing environmentsFieldwork involving installation, splicing, and troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with fiber optic cable installation and basic testingPerforming splicing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs

Entry Level Fiber Optic roles typically involve basic installation and testing tasks with foundational certifications, while Fiber Optic Technicians handle more complex splicing, troubleshooting, and advanced installation tasks, often requiring specialized certifications and experience.

How do I start a career in entry level fiber optic?

To start a career as an entry-level fiber optic technician, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and consider completing a technical training program or apprenticeship to learn installation and maintenance skills. Certifications such as the Fiber Optic Technician (FOA) or CompTIA Fiber+ can improve job prospects. Hands-on experience with tools and safety procedures is essential in this field.

How hard is it to get into entry level fiber optic?

Getting into an entry-level fiber optic technician role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, and sometimes completion of a training program or certification such as the Fiber Optic Technician Certification. While prior experience is not always necessary, familiarity with tools and safety procedures can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is common.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fiber Optic jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Fiber Optic jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Entry Level Fiber Optic jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Entry Level Fiber Optic job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fiber Optic job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,565 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Entry-Level CAD Technician - Telecom

Olsson

Overland Park, KS

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

As a Telecom CAD Technician with our Telecom BAU and Long-Haul group, you will support engineering and design activities associated with expanding and maintaining telecommunications network infrastructure. You will assist with the preparation of fiber optic design plans, permit exhibits, engineering drawings, and project documentation while working closely with engineers, project managers, designers, and permitting staff.

In this role, you will review and incorporate field data, redlines, GIS/KMZ files, utility information, survey data, and client requirements into accurate CAD deliverables. You will help prepare permit plan sets and supporting exhibits for agency approvals and support quality control reviews to ensure drawings meet client and Olsson standards. Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, organized, and interested in developing a career in telecommunications engineering and design.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.
  • Learning new technical skills and design standards
  • Producing high-quality, accurate CAD deliverables

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • CAD-related software experience (AutoCAD experience required).
  • GIS-related software experience (ESRI product experience preferred but not required).
  • Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; Bluebeam and Smartsheet experience are a plus.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering markups, maps, utility records, survey information, and GIS/KMZ data.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate plan sets and exhibits.

Olsson CAD Personnel Expectations:

  • Produce accurate and organized CAD drawings with minimal drafting errors.
  • Follow Olsson and client-specific CAD standards, templates, layer management requirements, and file organization procedures.
  • Prepare and revise telecommunications plan sheets, permit exhibits, alignment drawings, right-of-way exhibits, and engineering design documents.
  • Incorporate redlines and quality control comments in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Communicate proactively when information is missing or clarification is needed.
  • Maintain awareness of project schedules, priorities, and deliverable deadlines.
  • Continuously develop proficiency in telecom design standards, permit requirements, GIS/KMZ workflows, and CAD software applications.
  • Support BAU and long-haul fiber projects through the preparation of clear, accurate, and well-organized engineering plan sets.

#LI-DD1

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.