Telecommunications is defined as ''the transmission of encoded sound, pictures, or data over significant distances, using radio signals or electrical or optical lines.'' Clearly the field encompasses a great deal of employment opportunities classified under telecom jobs.
Frame Wirers
The job of a frame wirer is to connect the wires that come from telephone lines to the company's main office in distributing frames. Frame wirers must be able to use a soldering iron to connect these wires and often have to use other hand tools as well.
Normally a high school diploma is desired, as well as vocational instruction training. Depending on the company, a degree is sometimes required. Usually a frame wirers training takes anywhere from a month to a year with an experienced frame wirer.
According to the statistics in New York, the number of wire framers is expected to go down between now and 2012. While an entry level frame wirers starting salary is approximately $40,000, an experienced professional can made over $66,000.
Line Installers
Telecom jobs in this field include installing and maintaining the power lines that connect the generating plants to the consumer. This can include everything from cable lines to the internet.
Many line installers train for several years with experienced line installers, although this job does not require a college education. Line installer can expects a good job market, as many people are getting near retirement age. The pay is better than other jobs of this type that do not require a college education.
According to statistics these telecom jobs will average about a 6% growth between now and 2016. The pay rate is around $25 per hour.
Telecommunications Technicians
With today's high tech society there are not many who could do without the internet and a cell phone. The telecommunications technician is the one that makes this possible.
From the consumer to the business world a telecom tech is the one who sets up the internet, cable, cell phones, and computer systems. This is one of the telecom jobs that will be around for a long time.
The pay rate for this position is anywhere from $28,000 to $46,500 yearly, depending on the chosen field.
Computer Positions
With the advent of computers, technology has advanced tremendously over a few short years. Computer positions are many and may include:
- Game Designers
- Hardware Engineers
- Graphic Specialists
- Programmers
- Forensics
- Analysts
- Database Developer
- Digital Media
- Web Design
Their main concern is the performance and quality of software systems. The software engineer goes to school to learn the application levels and complex systems for building and maintaining the systems. As long as there are computers, they will be in business.
Telecommunication Specialist
Specialist telecom jobs provide voice design and communication between customers and store personnel. When setting up the communications systems, it can be a simple connection between two computers or a whole network of computers.
This is also one of the many telecom jobs that is in high demand. The salary ranges from $30,000 to $90,000.
Game Developers
Developing interactive games for game systems such as Nintendo, Playstation, Wii, and Sega is another one of the careers that is available in telecommunications. This position falls under the computer category of the telecom jobs, but bears mentioning simply because it is such an important part of telecommunications. People actually stand in line all night for a chance to be one of the first to purchase a new game when it is released.
The pay rate for this profession starts at around $30,000 but once you make a name for yourself the profits are astronomical.
PBX Installers
This position entails working with switches, cable, radio, and many other items. From switchboards to telephones, the PBX installers have a variety of jobs. They may have to climb poles, work inside or out, and will more than likely have to work a lot of nights and weekends.
The PBX installer must have an associate's degree in electronics. He or she may earn from $38,000 to $52,000 per year. Salary generally increases with experience.
The above mentioned careers are just a few of the positions available for someone interested in the vast field. If you think this is the type of work you would enjoy, you should first decide which of the many telecom jobs sounds most appealing to you, and then look into obtaining the education and training that will get you started on a successful career path.
