A critical component of any business is data and voice communication. From telephone to video, voice to information. telecommunications are the cornerstone of any successful business, and businesses need people to install, manage, and modify these systems.
Telecommunication administrators are data communication specialists that team up with customers, departments, and IT staff to ensure the highest possible quality and efficiency from their networks. They use their broad understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, FTP, VOiP, telephony systems, and general networking hardware and software to perform their jobs.
These administrators are typically familiar with the most popular networking systems and workflow systems, and are intimately familiar with networking terminology, hardware and software, along with audio and visual communication systems. Being able to work in a team environment and have excellent communication skills alongside time management is a plus.
Sample job description
A telecommunications administrator plays a critical role in fixing and improving business networks that connect data and various voice communications, including telephone, computer, and voicemail systems. The top responsibility a telecom administrator holds is taking care of the company communications to ensure they are running properly and reliably. This requires each telecom administrator to know their way around a computer and new technology.
They must understand how to troubleshoot errors and be able to fix issues that arise in any of the communication systems. [Your Company Name] is looking to hire an experienced telecom administrator that has an associate’s degree or more who is passionate about the work they are doing and is happy to serve the company by working through the challenges that come with technological shortcomings.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Responsible for receiving logs and addresses reports along with reported problems or complaints
- Responsible for managing and administrating devices and services of the department apart from maintaining an inventory of the active service accounts and the equipment accounts
- Assist the telecom manager with vendor relations and communications
- Look into billing related inquiries and solving of disputes
- Receive and document requests for assistance on various cell phones, calling cards, air cards and other types of wireless telecommunication devices
- Generate statistical reports for the management as and when requested or ordered
- Responsible for the overall administration of the telecom department and seeing to the fact that all departments are well managed and administered
- Track metrics and work with different vendors
Education and experience
An associate degree is required for this position, but a bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Required skills and qualifications
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Strong time management and decision-making skills
- Adaptability and accountability
- Ability to work with a team and exhibit leadership qualities
Preferred qualifications
- Ability to write moderate to complex documents
- Ability to communicate in complex sentences, using normal word order with present and past tenses and strong vocabulary
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a telecommunications administrator is $69,900 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $69,500 | $94,050 |
| Los Angeles, California | $78,450 | $106,100 |
| Denver, Colorado | $65,350 | $88,400 |
| Washington, DC | $79,600 | $107,700 |
| Miami, Florida | $65,050 | $88,000 |
| Orlando, Florida | $60,000 | $81,200 |
| Tampa, Florida | $60,600 | $82,000 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $63,550 | $86,000 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $73,100 | $98,850 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $79,000 | $106,900 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $63,000 | $85,200 |
| New York City, New York | $83,200 | $112,550 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $67,750 | $91,650 |
| Dallas, Texas | $65,950 | $89,250 |
| Houston, Texas | $65,350 | $88,400 |
| Seattle, Washington | $76,050 | $102,900 |
| National Average | $59,400 | $80,400 |
Typical work environment
Telecom administrators work in a variety of industries with different companies. They are typically found working in offices working on computers to improve communication networks or resolve issues that have arrived in those systems. While telecommunications administrators are usually working independently in their offices, they will occasionally collaborate with other computer scientists and network system analysts to make sure everything is running optimally. Telecom administrators are usually full-time workers with the typical 40-hour a week schedule, however, they may have to work overtime if major problems arise within the company’s communication system.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for a telecommunications administrator are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, in an office setting. However, longer or different hours may, at times, be necessary.
Available certifications
Many companies are looking for a telecommunications administrator that is going above and beyond to learn more about their profession. Check out the following certifications available that are perfect for anyone interested in this field:
- Network and Telecommunications Administration Certificate. This certification is ideal for beginners since it focuses on the basics of networking, computer hardware, and data communication skills. Earning the Network and Telecommunications Administration Certificate is a great introductory course that will teach you the critical skills needed to succeed as a telecom administrator, making it a worthwhile certificate that will be sure to impress potential employers!
- Certified Telecommunications Analyst (TCO CTA). The Certified Telecommunications Analyst Certification is the most comprehensive telecommunications certification out there, making it extremely valuable to earn as an aspiring telecom administrator. This certification will ensure you become an expert in the following: Telecom Equipment, Telephony and Voice Over IP, Datacom and Networking, Coding, Service Implementation, IP Security, and more. Being able to place this certification on your resume will be the ultimate demonstration to your potential employers that you are prepared for the job.
Career path
The first step in becoming a telecommunications administrator is to earn an associate degree at minimum, with a bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
The telecom administration career path can have excellent opportunities for growth and advancement based on experience and performance. It helps to keep up with the new computer, telephony, and related systems. Additional certifications and training courses can also add to a telecom administrator’s value and career trajectory.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 15-1244
| 2020 Employment | 350,300 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 369,100 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 5% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 18,800 increase |
Position trends
TAs with many IT positions, telecommunications administrators will need to keep abreast of new trends and developments in technology and the telecom industry. Soon, developing technologies like 5G, IoT (connected car, home, and self), as well as augmented reality and virtual reality, will be among the critical areas of growth.
Sample interview questions
- Why do you want to be a telecommunications administrator at our company?
- How would your previous boss describe you?
- How do you determine the functionality of hardware and software?
- What is your favorite task as a telecom administrator?
- How do you go about a review system performance?
- What networks are you most familiar working with?
- How do you record and maintain inventory of the equipment you use?
- Have you earned any certificates relating to telecom administration?
- How familiar are you with domains?
- Describe a disaster recovery plan you’ve created. What impact did it have on the business?
- What has been your most challenging telecom administrator experience?
- How do you determine if a different telecommunication system is needed?
- Are there any skills you need to improve on to better succeed in this position?
- Can you describe what IP classes are?
- Can you explain the difference between a switch and a hub?
- What is an intrusion detection system?
