Career Profile • 49-2021

Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers

Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree. 2025 median annual wage: $63520. Projected employment change, 2025–35: 1.2%.

Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers career field illustration
Typical EducationAssociate's degree
Median Annual Wage$63,520
Projected Growth1.2%
Annual Openings1
Employment, 202511.3
Projected Employment, 203511.4
Related ExperienceNone
On-the-Job TrainingModerate-term on-the-job training
Skills That Matter

Top Skills for This Career

BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.

1
Adaptability

Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.

2
Detail oriented

Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.

3
Computers and information technology

Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.

How do these skills connect to you?Use Hear From ED to reflect on your strengths, interests and work preferences.Explore with ED →
Education & Training Pathway

How Do You Prepare for This Career?

BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.

🎓Typical Entry EducationAssociate's degree
🧰On-the-Job TrainingModerate-term on-the-job training
💼Related ExperienceNone

How to Become One

Telecommunications technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate or associate’s degree. These workers also receive on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for telecommunications technicians was $66,200 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 20,300 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

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Earnings

Pay

The median annual wage for telecommunications technicians was $66,200 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 20,300 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

$63,5202025 median annual wage
Future Outlook

Job Outlook

Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 20,300 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What They Do

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain, and repair radio, internet, and other telecommunications infrastructure.

Work Environment

Most telecommunications technicians work full time. They may have to work night or weekend shifts to maintain or repair telecommunications networks. Technicians travel frequently to installation and repair sites.

How to Become a Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate or associate’s degree. These workers also receive on-the-job training.

Pay

The median annual wage for telecommunications technicians was $66,200 in May 2025.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.

Despite declining employment, about 20,300 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Work Environment

Most telecommunications technicians work full time. They may have to work night or weekend shifts to maintain or repair telecommunications networks. Technicians travel frequently to installation and repair sites.

How to Become a Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate or associate’s degree. These workers also receive on-the-job training.

Pay

The median annual wage for telecommunications technicians was $66,200 in May 2025.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of telecommunications technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.

Despite declining employment, about 20,300 openings for telecommunications technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for telecommunications technicians.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of telecommunications technicians with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

More Information

Learn more about telecommunications technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Take the Next Step

Find Education Programs

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Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.

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