Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
SOC code 15-1241 · O*NET-SOC 15-1241.01 · Medium preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$134,050
a year
Hourly
$64.45
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$139,580
$67.11 per hour
Middle 50%
$104,620 – $168,200
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$79,900 – $202,680
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
179,740
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Computer Network Architects”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $79,900
- $38.42/hr
- 25th percentile
- $104,620
- $50.30/hr
- Median percentile
- $134,050
- $64.45/hr
- 75th percentile
- $168,200
- $80.86/hr
- 90th percentile
- $202,680
- $97.44/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+12%
Growing much faster than average
179,200
jobs in 2024
200,600
projected for 2034
About 21,400 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a telecommunications engineering specialist do?
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- 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.
- 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 controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
- Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
- Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
How to become a telecommunications engineering specialist
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a telecommunications engineering specialist earn?
The national median is $134,050 a year. The full range runs from $79,900 at the 10th percentile to $202,680 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a telecommunications engineering specialist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is telecommunications engineering specialist in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 12% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Writing3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Telecommunications4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Engineering and Technology4.5/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Design4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.