Updated 2025 · Electrical
How to Become a Telecommunications Tech
Telecommunications technicians install, maintain, and repair telephone, internet, and cable TV systems including fiber optic networks.
Steps to Become a Telecommunications Tech
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Telecommunications Tech apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), CompTIA Network+, OSHA 10/30-Hour, CDL (for bucket truck operation).
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Telecommunications Tech Do?
Telecommunications technicians install, maintain, and repair telephone, internet, and cable TV systems including fiber optic networks.
Daily Duties
- Install and maintain fiber optic and copper cable networks
- Splice and terminate fiber optic cables
- Test network performance with OTDR and other instruments
- Install customer premises equipment (routers, modems)
- Troubleshoot network outages and signal issues
Skills Needed
- Fiber optic splicing
- Cable installation
- Network testing
- Aerial and underground construction
- Customer equipment installation
Required Certifications
- FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
- CompTIA Network+
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- CDL (for bucket truck operation)
Telecommunications Tech Salary (2025)
The national median telecommunications tech salary is $65,077 per year. Pay ranges from $54,417 in the lowest-paying metro to $88,501 in the highest-paying metro. See the full telecommunications tech salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Telecommunications Tech apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $26,031 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $37,094 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $47,506 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $58,569 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $65,077 |
Union vs Non-Union Telecommunications Tech Pay
Union telecommunications techs earn 21% more than non-union workers — $34.20/hour union vs $28.26/hour non-union. Approximately 19.7% of telecommunications techs are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Telecom techs work outdoors on utility poles, in underground vaults, and in customer locations. Travel between job sites. Work in all weather conditions.
Career Outlook
Strong demand driven by 5G deployment, fiber-to-the-home expansion, and rural broadband initiatives. Fiber optic splicing skills are especially in demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a telecommunications tech is $65,077 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $54,417 to $88,501 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a telecommunications tech apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a telecommunications tech. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) and CompTIA Network+.
Telecommunications Tech earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Strong demand driven by 5G deployment, fiber-to-the-home expansion, and rural broadband initiatives. Fiber optic splicing skills are especially in demand.
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