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What is a telecommunications specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Telecommunications specialists are responsible for overseeing interaction between computer systems, communication methods, and devices. They may also participate in the installation and maintenance of these systems, including their repair and testing.

As a telecommunications specialist, their duties \ include constructing, installing, monitoring, and repairing communications systems and equipment. They also maintain documentation related to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records.

Although there is no specific degree required to work as a telecommunications specialist, the BLS notes that some employers require an associate's degree. Potential candidates may also need a degree in the field, while some employers will accept candidates who only have extensive experience.

The average salary for a telecommunications specialist is $63,562. Nonetheless, it may vary significantly per prior experience and qualifications in this field.

ScoreTelecommunications SpecialistUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,712

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.2

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 10.33%

Black or African American 9.94%

Hispanic or Latino 14.00%

Unknown 4.47%

White 60.94%

Gender

female 36.37%

male 63.63%

Age - 45
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 - 45
Stress level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Telecommunications specialist career paths

Key steps to become a telecommunications specialist

  1. Explore telecommunications specialist education requirements

    Most common telecommunications specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    43.5 %

    Associate

    29.7 %

    High School Diploma

    14.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific telecommunications specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Telecommunication11.45%
    Switches9.38%
    Communications Systems8.77%
    Management System5.18%
    Telephone Systems4.52%
  3. Complete relevant telecommunications specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New telecommunications specialists 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 telecommunications specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real telecommunications specialist resumes.
  4. Gain additional telecommunications specialist certifications

    Telecommunications specialist 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 telecommunications specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for telecommunications specialists include Telecommunications (TCM) and Network 5 Certification.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research telecommunications specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Project manage the installation of corporate SNA and TCP/IP data networks for regional projects.
    • Provide liaison to all telecommunications vendors, write and manage RFP process for new systems.
    • Operate LAN and monitoring system performance and disk utilization; establish and manage user accounts, and schedule system backups.
    • Schedule and manage Polycom video calling equipment as needed.
  6. Get telecommunications specialist experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a telecommunications specialist. The most common roles before becoming a telecommunications specialist include customer service representative, telecommunications technician team lead and cashier.
  7. Prepare your telecommunications specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your telecommunications specialist 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 telecommunications specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable telecommunications specialist resume templates

    Build a professional telecommunications specialist 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 telecommunications specialist resume.
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    Telecommunications Specialist Resume
  8. Apply for telecommunications specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a telecommunications specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first telecommunications specialist job

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Average telecommunications specialist salary

The average telecommunications specialist salary in the United States is $52,712 per year or $25 per hour. Telecommunications specialist salaries range between $32,000 and $84,000 per year.

Average telecommunications specialist salary
$52,712 Yearly
$25.34 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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