Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
O*NET 15-1241.01 · SOC 15-1241
Telecommunications Engineering Specialist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $134k a year with +7.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design enterprise network infrastructure and topology
- →Evaluate emerging networking technologies
- →Plan network capacity, redundancy, and security
- →Implement cloud and hybrid network solutions
- →Troubleshoot complex networking issues
Education & How to Get In
Most Telecommunications Engineering Specialist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Telecommunications Engineering Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Telecommunications Engineering Specialist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Telecommunications Engineering Specialist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Telecommunications Engineering Specialists is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Telecommunications Engineering Specialist make?
The median Telecommunications Engineering Specialist earns $134k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Telecommunications Engineering Specialist jobs?
Our model puts Telecommunications Engineering Specialist at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.
Is Telecommunications Engineering Specialist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 7.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Telecommunications Engineering Specialist?
Most Telecommunications Engineering Specialist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Telecommunications Engineering Specialist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Telecommunications Engineering Specialist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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