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Job outlook for communications systems engineers in the United States
Are communications systems engineer jobs in demand?
Communications systems engineer job and salary trends over time
Communications systems engineer jobs over time
Communications systems engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,368 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,268 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,535 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,967 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,091 | 0.00% |
Average communications systems engineer salary over time
Communications systems engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $127,832 | $61.46 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $123,620 | $59.43 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $120,821 | $58.09 | +4.2% |
| 2023 | $115,978 | $55.76 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $112,166 | $53.93 | +1.0% |
Communications systems engineer jobs by state
Most common states for communications systems engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 788 | 114% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,313 | 39% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 326 | 34% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,944 | 32% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,683 | 30% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 187 | 30% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,015 | 27% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 159 | 27% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 189 | 26% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 326 | 24% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 183 | 24% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,586 | 23% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 912 | 22% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 237 | 22% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 192 | 22% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 657 | 21% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,828 | 20% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,368 | 19% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 365 | 19% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 383 | 18% |
Most common cities for communications systems engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palo Alto | 4 | 6% | $139,285 |
| 2 | Melbourne | 3 | 4% | $97,065 |
| 3 | Redondo Beach | 2 | 3% | $130,683 |
| 4 | Hawthorne | 2 | 2% | $130,748 |
| 5 | Littleton | 1 | 2% | $103,993 |
| 6 | Gilbert | 3 | 1% | $112,887 |
| 7 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $130,037 |
| 8 | Cedar Rapids | 1 | 1% | $120,981 |
| 9 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $114,894 |
| 10 | San Diego | 6 | 0% | $128,675 |
| 11 | San Jose | 2 | 0% | $138,892 |
| 12 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $131,615 |
| 13 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $104,530 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $130,952 |
| 15 | New York | 1 | 0% | $119,165 |
Communications Systems Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications systems engineer experts
University of Indianapolis
Dr. Katie Greenan Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Communication
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Systems Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Katie Greenan Ph.D.: Research shows the job market continuing to shrink. Remote work will continue to normalize beyond the pandemic. The technology field was vast prior to the pandemic and will be even larger post pandemic. The same is true for the healthcare industry. What they have in common is communication, and communication never goes out of style. In order to succeed in any career - to keep a job - an individual must know how to write, speak, listen, and get along with others whether face-to-face or virtually.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Communications Systems Engineers?
Dr. Katie Greenan Ph.D.: Enrolling in an online public speaking course is practical since much of our work is virtual. It's important to practice delivery skills via technology and learn how to gesture effectively from the waist up, provide eye contact to connect with the audience, and position the camera and lighting. Companies can bring in consultants to train employees. This course would benefit every professional across all industries. It would also be valuable to recent graduates interviewing for jobs.
What's a good job out of college for Communications Systems Engineers?
Dr. Katie Greenan Ph.D.: There are two types. The first is electronic media. Companies are constantly seeking employees who can fill entry-level jobs in social media and marketing. I'm seeing more and more job advertisements for social media influencers, too. I suggest recent graduates visit a handful of companies' websites and search "jobs." Chances are they'll find openings. Second, with the new administration in Washington, D.C., there is policy-related work that can provide recent graduates with entry-level jobs. After working in the political arena and gaining unparalleled experience, one thing will lead to the next, and they can go anywhere.