How To Become A Communications Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a communications technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Communication technicians are also referred to as telecommunications technicians. They supervise businesses' telecommunication networks such as internet telephone cable and some office equipment. As a communication technician, you are to utilize your expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, etc. Also, you could be responsible for troubleshooting and engaging clients about the extent of malfunctions.

It is your duty to upgrade and maintain the company's current communications systems. You are also expected to evaluate client needs and install communication systems that meet these needs in the best way. Furthermore, you are to check all the wiring work done to make sure that there are no exposed cables for safety purposes. You are also to perform routine tests on telecommunication systems to make sure every component is functioning at optimal levels.

Employers lookout for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in business electrical engineering technology or electrical engineering. On a yearly basis, you should make an average salary of $48,155.

ScoreCommunications TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,222

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 6.21%

Black or African American 13.17%

Hispanic or Latino 17.83%

Unknown 4.74%

White 57.43%

Gender

female 16.15%

male 83.85%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a communications technician

Explore communications technician education requirements

Most common communications technician degrees

Associate

34.6 %

Bachelor's

34.6 %

High School Diploma

17.6 %

Start to develop specific communications technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	9.23%
Rehabilitation	8.99%
Hand Tools	8.80%
Fiber Optic	8.63%
Patch Panels	4.52%

Complete relevant communications technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New communications technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a communications technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real communications technician resumes.

Gain additional communications technician certifications

Communications technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific communications technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for communications technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

More About Certifications

Research communications technician duties and responsibilities

Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
Install and configure Cisco routers.

Prepare your communications technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your communications technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a communications technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable communications technician resume templates

Build a professional communications technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your communications technician resume.