How much does a cable technician make a year?

It depends on what the "cable guy" does. With big companies like Comcast, Time Warner, Cox etc, they have different levels of expertise depending on what you can do as a tech and your ability to keep up with the technology. After two years with the company starting at the lowest position with no experience, you can easily make over $50,000/yr with minimal overtime, bonuses and incentives on a $20/hr wage. This estimate based on a very disciplined work ethic since all the bonuses are based on productivity and quality of work done- meaning nobody goes behind you to clean up or fix your mess, and also you have to be able to install and service a triple play..phone, video and internet(homenetworking included).