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The differences between telecommunications specialists and telecommunication engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a telecommunications specialist, becoming a telecommunication engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a telecommunication engineer has an average salary of $80,789, which is higher than the $52,712 average annual salary of a telecommunications specialist.
The top three skills for a telecommunications specialist include telecommunication, switches and communications systems. The most important skills for a telecommunication engineer are telecommunication, voip, and RF.
| Telecommunications Specialist | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,712 | $80,789 |
| Hourly rate | $25.34 | $38.84 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 29,962 | 28,331 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A telecommunications specialist is responsible for designing and implementing communication networks and computer systems in companies, ensuring quality and efficiency. It is their duty to develop installation plans, oversee networks and systems activities, study the feedbacks of clients and consumers, and develop systems according to the company's needs. They must also maintain logs and records, presenting progress reports regularly. Furthermore, as a telecommunications specialist, it is essential to keep an active communication line with the workforce for a smooth workflow.
A telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
Telecommunications specialists and telecommunication engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Telecommunications Specialist | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,712 | $80,789 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $84,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Burns & McDonnell | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a telecommunications specialist and a telecommunication engineer in terms of educational background:
| Telecommunications Specialist | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between telecommunications specialists' and telecommunication engineers' demographics:
| Telecommunications Specialist | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4% | Male, 87.7% Female, 12.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 10.3% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 6% |