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Technology

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

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

Median salary (BLS)

$134,050

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$80k – $203k

Job outlook

+12% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

    Entry / Junior

    $79,900

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

    Established

    $134,050

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

    Senior

    $168,365

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
  • •Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
  • •Keep 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.
  • •Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
  • •Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.