Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
SOC: 15-1241 O*NET: 15-1241.01
Median Salary
$130,390
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11.9%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
11.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
What does a Telecommunications Engineering Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$79,520
10th percentile
Early Career
$102,120
25th percentile
Median
$130,390
50th percentile
Experienced
$164,440
75th percentile
Top Earners
$198,030
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$79,520
25th
$102,120
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$130,390
Mean: $135,890
75th
$164,440
90th
$198,030
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $118,510 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $102,120 and $164,440
- •Salary spread is 47.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 177,010 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:179,200
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.7%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services26.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11.9%
Annual Openings:11,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)179,200
Current
2034 (Projected)200,600
+11.9%
+21,400
Employment Change
+11.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Telecommunications Engineering Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
19,800 jobs$138,3500.95x
Texas
16,160 jobs$129,1101.02x
Colorado
12,720 jobs$134,6803.83x
Virginia
9,340 jobs$148,0802.00x
New York
9,180 jobs$136,2300.84x
Florida
8,690 jobs$130,3200.77x
North Carolina
7,440 jobs$126,0001.32x
Illinois
6,450 jobs$132,3100.93x
New Jersey
6,440 jobs$147,6501.32x
Georgia
5,980 jobs$132,3001.07x
Pennsylvania
5,470 jobs$120,4200.79x
Ohio
5,350 jobs$124,5200.84x
Massachusetts
5,340 jobs$136,9301.28x
Maryland
5,320 jobs$143,2601.69x
Washington
4,450 jobs$155,8901.09x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Active Learning
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Operations Monitoring
54%
#9
Social Perceptiveness
46%
#10
Systems Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Active Learning
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Operations Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers67%
5 shared skills
Urologists67%
5 shared skills
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators67%
5 shared skills
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary67%
5 shared skills
Audiologists67%
5 shared skills
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Writing
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Learning
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows Server
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechApache Spark
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
🔥 Hot TechIBM WebSphere MQ
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Apache Spark
Tableau
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
IBM WebSphere MQ
Splunk Enterprise
Autodesk AutoCAD
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (3)Communication & Coordination (4)Planning & Development (14)
1
Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination97% perform98%
3
Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination94% perform96%
4
Coordinate installation of new equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination91% perform94%
5
Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.57
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.43
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.43
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.33
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.24
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.14
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Cooperation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
Persistence
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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