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Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $134,050 Median per year · $64.45/hr Most earn $79,900–$202,680

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
  • Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
  • Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
  • Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
  • Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
8% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 9,600 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Computer systems design and related services24.7%
  • Telecommunications9.0%
  • Management of companies and enterprises8.6%
  • Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services4.3%
  • Credit intermediation and related activities3.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This is not usually an entry-level job. Most people spend about 2 to 4 years in related hands-on work, often after a certificate or apprenticeship, before they take on design and supervision duties. Your career tools can show you what's typical near you.

  1. Certificate or apprenticeship in telecommunications or electronics

    6 months to 1 year

    You learn how voice, video, and data systems are wired and how to read technical diagrams, and this training is the entry ticket to field work.

  2. Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

    1 to 2 years

    You install, test, and fix real equipment, which builds the practical know-how that engineers rely on.

  3. Electronics Engineering Technician

    2 to 4 years

    You take on more complex troubleshooting, system testing, and configuration, and you start working closely with engineers.

  4. Telecommunications Engineering Specialist

    Reached after about 2 to 4 years of related hands-on work

    You design or configure communications systems and supervise installation, service, and maintenance for your team.

Where it can lead

  1. Computer Network Architect

    4 to 6 years of experience first

    You shift from configuring systems to designing large network structures for an organization, which usually requires a bachelor's degree and deeper planning skills.

  2. Electronics Engineer

    4 to 6 years of experience first

    You design electronic components and systems at a deeper level, usually after earning a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take algebra, geometry, and physicsThese classes build the math and circuit thinking you'll use in telecom training and on the job.
  • Join a robotics, electronics, or STEM clubHands-on building teaches wiring, troubleshooting, and teamwork in a low-pressure setting.
  • Take a career or technical education (CTE) class in electronics or computersIf your school offers one, it gives you early practice with circuits, networks, or cabling.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer with a community tech or IT help deskHelping people fix devices builds real troubleshooting experience and communication skills.

In college

  • Enroll in an electronics, telecommunications, or networking programA certificate or associate program covers the core skills that employers look for in this field.
  • Pursue an internship or co-op with a telecom, cable, or electrical companyReal field or lab experience is often what gets you hired and helps you move up.
  • Work a campus job in IT or the media or AV departmentSupporting networks, projects, or equipment on campus builds practical skills and a reference.
  • Earn a vendor or industry certification that your program recommendsA recognized credential shows employers you can work on specific equipment or standards.
  • Join a student tech or engineering organizationClubs build teamwork, leadership, and connections with professionals in the field.

Tips for getting started

  • Take math and physics seriously, since they show up in almost every telecom training program and job.
  • Look for part-time or summer work with an installer, electrical contractor, or IT team so you can get hands-on experience early.
  • Keep a simple log of the equipment you have worked on and the problems you solved; this helps when you apply for technician and engineering roles.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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