Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
Also called: Communications Analyst, Communications Engineer, Communications Infrastructure Engineer, Communications Network Engineer, Communications Systems Engineer, Communications Systems Technician (Communications Systems Tech)
Median pay
$134,050
Pay for the broader BLS group “Computer Network Architects”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$79,900 – $202,680
People employed
179,740
Whole BLS group
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Computer Network Architects”.
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists salary in every state →
What telecommunications engineering specialists do
- 01Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- 02Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- 03Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
- 04Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
- 05Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
- 06Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Telecommunications
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from telecommunications engineering specialists
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists75% · group pay
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers73% · —
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters73% · —
- Construction and Building Inspectors72% · —
- Energy Auditors72% · group pay
Change into telecommunications engineering specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists77% · $130,220
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters73% · $76,870
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers73% · $106,730
- Construction and Building Inspectors72% · $74,690
- Energy Auditors72% · $74,690
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Information Technology
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Cloud Computing
- Network and System Administration/Administrator
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
- Computer Engineering, General
- Computer Engineering, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.