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Job outlook for telecommunication engineers in the United States
Telecommunication engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected telecommunication engineer job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for telecommunication engineers are projected over the next decade.
Telecommunication engineer salaries have increased 8% for telecommunication engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,036 telecommunication engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 28,331 active telecommunication engineer job openings in the US.
The average telecommunication engineer salary is $80,789.
Are telecommunication engineer jobs in demand?
Telecommunication engineer job and salary trends over time
Telecommunication engineer jobs over time
Telecommunication engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,036 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,865 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,257 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,601 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,656 | 0.00% |
Average telecommunication engineer salary over time
Telecommunication engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $80,789 | $38.84 | +1.9% |
| 2025 | $79,309 | $38.13 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $77,153 | $37.09 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $76,762 | $36.90 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $74,531 | $35.83 | +1.0% |
Telecommunication engineer jobs by state
Most common states for telecommunication engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 326 | 47% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,035 | 12% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 707 | 10% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 623 | 10% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 533 | 10% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 101 | 10% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 621 | 9% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 373 | 9% |
| 9 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,095 | 8% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 49 | 8% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 372 | 7% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 207 | 7% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 94 | 7% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 56 | 7% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 412 | 6% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 106 | 6% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 45 | 6% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 37 | 6% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 479 | 5% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 476 | 5% |
Most common cities for telecommunication engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wallingford | 2 | 4% | $86,794 |
| 2 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $80,028 |
| 3 | Bowie | 1 | 2% | $97,117 |
| 4 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $86,037 |
| 5 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $100,675 |
| 6 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $70,106 |
| 7 | Arlington | 2 | 1% | $93,362 |
| 8 | Salt Lake City | 2 | 1% | $73,651 |
| 9 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $80,282 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $97,185 |
| 11 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $80,060 |
| 12 | Durham | 1 | 0% | $85,022 |
Telecommunication Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of telecommunication engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of South Alabama
University of Indianapolis
New York University
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
What will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Telecommunication Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Telecommunication Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Telecommunication Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Telecommunication Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to a Telecommunication Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What Telecommunication Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Armentrout: Expanded use of swarms of cheap sensors that communicate on multiple platforms for better understanding and control of complicated systems. Integrated use of artificial intelligence to increase our effectiveness in all aspects of our jobs.
Dr. Katie Greenan Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Communication
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Telecommunication 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 Telecommunication 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 Telecommunication 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Telecommunication Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Shivendra Panwar: Jobs in areas like AI/ML, 5G/6G, and AR/VR will continue to grow, but now on an accelerated schedule due to the need exposed by the pandemic. Our graduates have had no problems getting jobs, especially in companies that have done well in the pandemic, like Amazon.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Telecommunication Engineers to find work opportunities?
Dan Brown: Some tech and knowledge economy workers often have the luxury of being remote, while others are hands-on with the physical ICT infrastructure, wherever it may be. That said, specific ICT hot spots include Northern California's Bay area, Texas, the Eastern Seaboard, with special mention of the DC area as the site of the new Amazon HQ2, as well as the Dulles Technology Corridor, which has become known as "data center alley," where an estimated 70% of internet traffic flows in and out. That said, there are plenty of other cities described in Steve Case's The Rise of the Rest, where access to technology, education, and capital exists along with a much lower cost of living than in traditional tech hubs. I cannot see us as a society ever going back to pre-covid ratio of in-person to remote work, but my sense is that it would be helpful to being recruited remotely if you are connected to an online professional community like TIA's LinkedIn Group.