Summary Report for:
15-1143.01 - Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Design or configure voice, video, and data communications systems. Supervise installation and post-installation service and maintenance.
The occupation code you requested, 15-1081.01 (Telecommunications Specialists), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1143.01 (Telecommunications Engineering Specialists) instead.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
- Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
- Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
- Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
- Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
- Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
- Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
- Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
- Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Fish tape — Fish tapes; Wire pullers |
| Power meters — Digital power meters; Fiber optic power meters; Infrared fiber meters; Optical power meters |
| Signal generators — Tone generators; Tone test sets |
| Stripping tools — Fiber optic cable strippers; Fiber optic strippers; Fiber scribes |
| Voltage or current meters — Coaxial cable testers; Voltage testers; Wire mappers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Access software — 2AB iLock Security Services; Access management software; Avaya Identity Engines |
| Backup or archival software — Backup and archival software; NovaStor NovaBACKUP; Zmanda Amanda * |
| Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook |
| Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational Requirements Composer; Requirements analysis software |
| Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects.
Employment data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
Industry data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
| Median wages (2010) | $36.37 hourly, $75,660 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 292,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 208,300 |
| Top industries (2008) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Computer network, systems, and database administrators
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.