Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+12% projected 2024–2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Telecommunications engineering specialists design and build the complex networks that keep people connected through phone calls, video conferences, internet services, and satellite communications. They work on both the technical planning side—determining what equipment and configurations will best serve a building, campus, or entire region—and the implementation side, overseeing installation teams who put these systems in place. Their days involve analyzing network requirements, selecting appropriate technologies like fiber optics or wireless systems, and creating detailed technical plans that installers can follow.

These specialists often split their time between office environments, where they use specialized software to design networks and troubleshoot problems, and field sites where they supervise installation work or inspect existing systems. They regularly collaborate with clients to understand their communication needs, coordinate with vendors to source equipment, and ensure that new systems meet industry standards and safety regulations. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving abilities, attention to technical details, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. They must stay current with rapidly evolving telecommunications technology while maintaining reliable service for existing networks they've designed.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$185,150
Computer Engineering(masters)Harvard University, MA
$177,890
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA
$158,673
Computer Engineering(masters)University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI
$156,797
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA
$156,433
Computer Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA
$154,044
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(doctoral)Capella University, MN
$152,737
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA
$150,671
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA
$146,806
Computer and Information Sciences(bachelors)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$146,204
Computer Engineering(bachelors)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$141,588
Computer Engineering(bachelors)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA
$141,588
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)Georgetown University, DC
$139,527
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$139,520
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$138,781
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)University of California-Los Angeles, CA
$136,659
Computer and Information Sciences(bachelors)University of California-Los Angeles, CA
$136,099
Computer and Information Sciences(bachelors)Yale University, CT
$133,293
Computer Engineering(masters)George Mason University, VA
$132,367
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)California Miramar University, CA
$132,126
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Loyola Marymount University, CA
$132,126
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Northeastern University Oakland, CA
$132,126
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)California State University-Chico, CA
$132,126
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, CA
$132,126
Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Notre Dame de Namur University, CA
$132,126

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