Telecommunications engineering technician
Also known as: telecommunications administrator, telecommunication administrator, telecommunications administrators, telecom administrator, communication administrator, communications administrator
About this occupation
Telecommunications engineering technician deploy, maintain and monitor a telecommunication system that provides interactions between data and voice communications, such as telephone, video conferencing, computer, and voicemail systems. They are also involved in the design, manufacturing, construction, maintenance and repair of telecommunication systems. Telecommunications engineering technicians provide technical assistance in the research and development of telecommunication equipment.
Essential skills and knowledge
- calibrate electronic instruments
- manage system testing
- manage changes in ICT system
- ICT communications protocols
- microwave principles
- use scripting programming
- quality assurance methodologies
- direct inward dialing
- upgrade firmware
- integrate system components
- organisational policies
- apply system organisational policies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Telecommunications Engineering Specialists (O*NET 15-1241.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
- Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
- Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking
US median pay: US$134,050 a year (2025), 179,740 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Software Developers
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.