Details Report for:
15-1081.01 - Telecommunications Specialists
Design or configure voice and data communications systems, supervise installation, and arrange for post-installation service and maintenance.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- 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.
- Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
- Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
- Instruct in use of voice and data communications systems, such as voicemail and videoconferencing systems.
- Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.
- Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
- Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment, including telephone sets, headsets, cellular phones, switches, trunks, printed circuit boards, network routers, and cabling.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
- Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.
- Prepare system activity and performance reports.
- Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
- Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.
- Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.
- Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
- Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
- 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.
Education
Education data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
57   |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
| 35 |
Some college |
| 8 |
High school or less |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
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 Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
Employment data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
Industry data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
| Median wages (2008) | $34.18 hourly, $71,100 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) | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (22% employed in this sector)
Self-Employed (19%)
Information (17%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 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.