8 Telecommunications Jobs and How to Get One

Key takeaways

Telecommunications refers to the transmission of data using technology and computers are the primary way that you transmit data electronically.

• The telecommunications industry is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2029, growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8 percent [1].

• Examples of telecommunications jobs include network engineer, computer support technician, telecommunications engineer, equipment operator, software engineer, and data communications analyst.

• You can take courses to develop your communication skills, which are essential for telecommunications positions, regardless of your role.

Explore eight telecommunications jobs, including what you'd do, how to qualify, and how much you'd get paid, as well as how to get started in telecommunications. If you're ready to get started in a telecommunications job, consider enrolling in the Akamai Network Engineering Professional Certificate. With this five-course series, you'll have the opportunity to launch your career in network operations by building job-ready skills and gaining credentials, going from beginner to job-ready in three months or less.

What is telecommunications?

Telecommunications refers to the transmission of data using technology. Computers are the primary way that you transmit data electronically. As a result, telecommunications often relates to computers and computer networks. However, telecommunications also includes telephone networks, radios, and satellite systems. Telecommunications systems link networks to allow people to communicate from anywhere, watch TV and movies, and connect over the internet.

Telecommunications is a broad field encompassing many roles, from planning and designing to operating and installing telecom systems. Some positions in the industry work directly with the hardware needed to access a computer network, including running cable and building electrical systems to manage telecommunications. Some roles design and oversee these systems, while others develop the software needed for them to function [2]. 

Is telecommunications a good career?

Telecommunications is a dynamic industry that continues growing as it embraces new and emerging technologies ranging from the cloud to artificial intelligence (AI). According to PwC's Global Telecom Outlook, the telecommunications industry is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2029, growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8 percent [1]. Grand View Research anticipates that the 5G services market alone will grow at a stunning 62.2 percent CAGR between 2025 and 2030, reaching $2.2 trillion worldwide by 2030 [3]. This continued growth suggests a promising outlook for relevant careers. 

8 telecommunications jobs to explore

Telecommunications jobs span across infrastructure, equipment, engineering, and the operations of telephone and computer systems. Discover eight telecommunications jobs, their average annual salaries in the US, education requirements, and sample interview questions. 

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. 

1. Telecommunications specialist

Median total US pay: $83,000

Requirements: A postsecondary degree is a typical qualification requirement. Although a diploma is a standard educational prerequisite, some employers will prefer candidates with formal education in computer systems.

Telecommunications specialists design, build, repair, and maintain communication systems such as computer networks or cloud infrastructure. Before becoming a telecommunications specialist, an entry-level position might be a telecommunications technician or customer service representative. After gaining experience as a telecommunications specialist, you could move into project management or systems administrator roles. 

Four telecommunications specialist interview questions:

• Describe a time you overcame a difficult technical error.

• What are some of the most promising trends in the telecommunications industry?

• What telecommunications systems have you worked with?

• Where do you envision the telecommunications industry going in the future?

2. Network engineer

Median total US pay: $123,000

Requirements: While employers typically require a bachelor’s degree, some may only require a postsecondary diploma.

Network engineers play a significant role in telecommunications by designing and implementing computer network systems. They may be responsible for maintaining systems, troubleshooting problems, and overseeing network security. In this role, you may be responsible for creating and designing new systems, or you may work to maintain and troubleshoot existing systems. Gaining experience as a network engineer may open doors to a more specialized career, such as a cloud network architect or a network security specialist. 

Four network engineer interview questions:

• What drew you to build a career in network engineering? 

• Can you tell me about a problem that you faced in a previous position?

• What does your troubleshooting process look like?

• What experience do you have scaling networks for growth?

3. Customer support technician

Median total US pay: $68,000

Requirements: A postsecondary degree may be enough to find a job as a customer support technician, although some employers will prefer a traditional degree or experience working directly with customers on technical issues.

A customer support technician works with users, helping them troubleshoot and fix computer and network problems. In this role, you may provide customers with instructions on how to fix their technology on their own, or you may resolve the issue directly. You will monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot problems as they arise. After gaining experience as a customer support technician, you may consider moving into a network administrator or information security analyst role. 

Four customer support technician interview questions:

• Which of your qualities make you a good customer support technician?

• Describe a time when you provided excellent service to a customer. 

• How does this role fit into your greater career goals?

• What is your approach to educating customers on technical issues? 

4. Telecommunications manager

Median total US pay: $123,000 

Requirements: You will need a postsecondary degree or diploma to become a telecommunications manager, and you typically only become a manager once you have experience in the industry in various roles. While a high school diploma may satisfy the education requirements, employers will likely want to see management experience. 

Telecommunications managers plan and manage telecommunications projects such as cloud infrastructure or telecom networks. You may design a network and implement the necessary supporting technology, or you may monitor the performance of existing networks. In this position, you may be responsible for managing the work of a team of telecommunications technicians. 

Four telecommunications manager interview questions:

• How do you approach reviewing system performance? 

• What experience do you have in maintaining telecom equipment inventory? 

• What previous experience do you have with creating disaster recovery plans? 

5. Telecommunications equipment operator

Median total US pay: $64,000

Requirements: A postsecondary non-degree award, such as a certificate in electronics or telecommunications, is a common requirement. Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate degree. 

A telecommunications equipment operator facilitates communication using telecom devices such as telephones and computers. A telecommunications operator may be responsible for answering and directing phone calls, compiling a directory, or performing additional specialized tasks. A specialized role in this field could be a dispatch operator for emergency services. 

Four equipment operator interview questions:

• What personal qualities make this career a good fit for you?

• What do you think is the most essential skill for an equipment operator? 

• Please describe your previous experience with multi-line phone systems. 

• How does this position fit in the grand scheme of your career goals? 

6. Telecommunications engineer

Median total US pay: $117,000

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is a common minimum requirement for a telecom engineer, although some employers will prefer applicants with a master’s degree.

A telecommunications engineer designs and maintains telecommunications equipment, including fiber optic systems or mobile networks. In this role, you will diagnose problems and oversee a team of technicians to fix the problem. You will make recommendations on equipment upgrades and maintenance. You may also design and plan new networks. 

Four telecommunications engineer interview questions:

• What prior experience do you have with telecommunications systems? 

• What common problems occur in telecommunications systems? 

• How do you see government regulation affecting the telecom industry?

7. Software developer

Median total US pay: $122,000

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is a common requirement for software developers. However, some employers prefer experience in specific skills over a formal degree. 

A software developer designs and creates software programs. Developing software can span various roles, so the day-to-day tasks of a software developer will depend on your position. Software development includes designing software to meet customers’ needs, writing code, testing software, and fixing bugs. Software developers often work in teams, although sometimes developers work independently or on their own projects. 

Four software developer interview questions:

• Why did you decide to become a software developer? 

• How do you approach a disagreement with a teammate? 

• Describe a time that you integrated customer feedback into your software design. 

• How does this position fit into your long-term goals? 

8. Data communications analyst

Median total US pay: $100,000

Requirements: While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a data communications analyst, some employers will prefer to see experience in a similar role.

Data communications analysts are responsible for evaluating a company’s communication needs, planning a system to fill those needs, and overseeing the implementation of the communication plan. In this role, you would work with a team to figure out the equipment needs, decide which equipment will work best, and lead a team of technicians to install and maintain the equipment.  

Four data communications analyst interview questions:

• What data visualization tools do you have experience with?

• What personal qualities would make you a good data communications analyst? 

• If you discover a security risk, what are your next steps? 

• Describe your experience organizing large data sets. 

How to start a career in telecommunications

Within the telecommunications industry, you have a variety of roles to choose from. Explore the following tips to help find your starting point. 

Study telecommunications 

Some roles, such as telecommunications technician, only require a high school diploma and offer on-the-job training. Other positions, such as a network engineer role, may require a more advanced degree. The first step to getting a telecommunications job is to figure out what career you have in mind and the requirements to begin. For example, computer science may be a good choice for a bachelor's degree if you’d like to work on computer networks or as a software developer. 

Practice communication skills

Communication skills are core for telecommunications jobs, whether you work as part of a team of software developers to create new computer programs or manage a team of technicians to create a new telecom system. Telecommunications is about solving problems and making communication more accessible, so understanding people's communication challenges may be helpful in this field. 

Gain experience 

After completing your education, seek opportunities to build expertise in your field. Many entry-level positions in telecommunications can help you gain direct experience with telecommunications systems while you are still completing your education or certification programs. 

Obtain certifications

Depending on the field you choose within telecommunications, you may earn additional certifications to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. For example, the Telecommunications Certification Organization (TCO) has a program to certify telecom analysts and demonstrate skills in data communications and network solutions. 

Other potential telecommunications certifications include: 

• Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)

• Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist (CTNS)

• Certified VoIP Analyst (CVA)

• Certified Wireless Analyst (CWA)

Read more: Cybersecurity in the Telecom Industry: Challenges and Career Opportunities

Get free career-building resources in telecommunications and beyond

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and discover learning roadmaps while browsing our Career Resource Hub. Then, to help you find the right career path for you and learn more about telecommunications jobs, check out these free resources:

• Take the quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Software Developer

• Hear from an insider: ‘A Bucket List To-Do’: One Student’s Path to a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management

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