Communications Systems Technician

Your Fit

Income

$64K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Communications Systems Technician?

A Communications Systems Technician specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing complex communication systems, including telephone, internet, and other data transmission systems. They ensure these systems operate efficiently and meet the communication needs of businesses and consumers.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Communications Systems Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Communications Systems Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$51K per year	$64K per year	$85K per year	$103K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $15K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Communications Systems Technician do?

Work environment

Communications Systems Technicians often work in various environments, including offices, data centers, and outdoor settings for fieldwork. Their job may require travel to different sites and sometimes working in confined spaces or at heights, such as on telephone poles.

Quick task list

Installs, maintains, and repairs communication lines and equipment.
Tests and troubleshoots issues with communication systems.
Upgrades and configures communication hardware and software.
Provides technical support and guidance to users.
Ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Network Systems Technician: Specializing in the installation and maintenance of network communication systems, including LAN and WAN.
Telecommunications Equipment Technician: Focusing on the setup and repair of telecommunications equipment like routers and switches.
Wireless Communications Technician: Concentrating on wireless communication systems, including cellular, satellite, and radio communications.
Fiber Optics Technician: Specializing in fiber optic systems, responsible for installation, splicing, and troubleshooting.
Data Center Technician: Working in data centers, managing the infrastructure for data communication and storage.

Description

Communications Systems Technicians play a crucial role in the digital age, ensuring seamless communication through various technologies. They need a strong understanding of electronic and telecommunications systems, including emerging technologies like 5G and IoT (Internet of Things). The work requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to install, maintain, and repair complex systems.

Technicians must be adept at problem-solving and have excellent attention to detail, as they often work with intricate components. They also need good communication skills to explain technical issues to non-technical users and work effectively within a team. Ongoing learning is a key part of the job to keep up with rapid technological advancements.

Safety is paramount in this role, especially when working in hazardous environments or with high-voltage equipment. Technicians often work under pressure, especially when troubleshooting system outages or performing emergency repairs. They may also need to be on call or work outside of regular business hours.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being at the forefront of technology and communications innovation.
Problem-solving and successfully troubleshooting complex systems.
The variety of work environments and tasks, providing diverse experiences.

You might make a good Communications Systems Technician if you are...

Technically inclined with a keen interest in telecommunications and electronics.
Detail-oriented, able to focus on complex tasks for extended periods.
Good at problem-solving and critical thinking.
Comfortable with both independent work and collaborating in a team.
Willing to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies.

Pros:

Growing demand in a technology-driven world.
Opportunities to work with cutting-edge communication technologies.
Diverse work environments and tasks.

Cons:

Potential for physically demanding and sometimes hazardous work.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with rapid technological changes.
Possible irregular hours, including on-call or emergency work.

How to become a Communications Systems Technician

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, along with specialized training or an associate's degree in telecommunications, electronics, or a related field. This amounts to 2-4 years of post-secondary education or vocational training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Electronics and Computer Science courses for foundational knowledge.
Mathematics and Physics to understand the principles behind communications technology.
Vocational training or technical courses in telecommunications, if available.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or amateur radio club to gain practical experience.
Participating in technology-focused competitions or hackathons.
Volunteering for community service that involves technical skills, like setting up communication systems for events.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate's degree or certification in telecommunications, electronics, or related fields.
Consider apprenticeships or internships with telecommunications companies.
Obtain industry certifications, such as those offered by Cisco or CompTIA.

More resources

Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) - Offers training and certification programs.
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) - Provides industry standards and educational resources.
CompTIA - Offers certifications and resources for IT and communications professionals.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Regulatory information and updates in the telecommunications field.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.