Telecommunication and networking salary

Computer Networking and Telecommunications

Read about careers in computer networking and telecommunications, including employment outlook and salaries for professionals working in the field. Find information about the technical degree programs and industry certifications that can help you prepare for a position here.

Are Computer Networking and Telecommunications for Me?

Career Overview

Computer networking and telecommunications professionals install, support and monitor an organization's local and wide area networks, working both independently and in teams. While some professionals specialize in a single aspect of the field, such as server administration, others may choose to support a wide range of technologies. For example, you may be employed as a network administrator or engineer, telecommunication and networking salary or systems engineer. An attention to detail and the ability to multitask are key to working in the field; communication skills are important, especially when conveying technical concepts to nontechnical users.

Employment and Salary Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected an average growth of 12% in jobs nationwide for computer networking and computer systems administrators from 2012-2022. A 35% growth in jobs was expected for network administrators employed in computer systems design during the same period. As of May 2013, network and computer systems administrators earned an annual mean salary of $77,910. At that same time, the mean annual salary for administrators who worked for wired telecommunications carriers was $86,330 (www.bls.gov).

How Can I Work in Computer Networking and Telecommunications?

Education

Computer networking and telecommunication specialists typically pursue associate's or bachelor's degrees in information science or technology, computer science or management information systems. These programs typically include courses in programming, database administration and computer networking.

Certifications

Industry certifications that focus on a specific product are available from software and hardware vendors, while certifications covering a specific skill, such as networking, may be offered through computer associations. Vendors and associations that offer certifications include Cisco, Microsoft and CompTIA.

Related Articles for Computer Networking and Telecommunications

·        What Computer Networking Skills Do I Need to be Successful?

Understanding programming, computer fundamentals and network hardware can be important for a successful career in computer networking, and you may also be proficient in maintaining, building, operating and analyzing network systems. Read on to...

·        Computer Networking Certificates and Classes

Computer networking professionals run computer databases for companies or government agencies. Get information on the requirements for earning a certificate in computer networking, either separately or as part of a degree program.

·        What is a Computer Networking Consultant?

Research what it takes to become a computer network consultant. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average salary and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

·        Careers in Computer Networking

Computer networking professionals install, maintain and configure a company's local and wide area networks, as well as its Internet connection. Learn about career options and training, certifications and earnings here.

·        Computer Networking Majors: Salary and Career Facts

Find out about possible careers with a bachelor's degree in computer networking. Read on to learn about job duties, earning potential and certifications available to graduates of computer networking programs.