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Telecommunications Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Telecommunications Engineer III make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Telecommunications Engineer III in the United States is $118,211 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, a Telecommunications Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,492
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $109,408 to $126,733
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,393
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View as table View as graph 25% $109,408 10% $101,393 90% $134,492 75% $126,733 $118,211 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Telecommunications Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $126,733 $10,561 $2,437 $61
Average $118,211 $9,851 $2,273 $57
25th Percentile $109,408 $9,117 $2,104 $53
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Key Factors That Influence Telecommunications Engineer III Salaries

A Telecommunications Engineer III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Telecommunications Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Telecommunications Engineer III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Telecommunications Engineer I (0-2 years): $69,504
  • Telecommunications Engineer II (2-4 years): $89,274
  • Telecommunications Engineer III (4-7 years): $118,211
  • Telecommunications Engineer IV (7+ years): $137,240
  • Telecommunications Engineer V (7-10 years): $154,661
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Telecommunications Engineer I0-2 years$69,504
Telecommunications Engineer II2-4 years$89,274
Telecommunications Engineer III4-7 years$118,211
Telecommunications Engineer IV7+ years$137,240
Telecommunications Engineer V7-10 years$154,661
$69,504 Telecommu...
$89,274 Telecommu...
$118,211 Telecommu...
$137,240 Telecommu...
$154,661 Telecommu...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Telecommunications Engineer IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $149,100
  • San Francisco: $147,634
  • Oakland: $144,359

What Skills Can Increase a Telecommunications Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 7.1% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Semiconductors (Mentioned in 2.48% Job Postings): Semiconductors are substances with properties somewhere between them. ICs(integrated circuits) and electronic discrete components such as diodes and transistors are made of semiconductors.
  • Dialysis (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Utilizing knowledge of dialysis principles and procedures to treat individuals who suffer from kidney failure to regain normal kidney function.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 7.1%
Semiconductors 2.48%
Dialysis 1.64%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Telecommunications Engineer III's salary.
  • Calibration: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Career Development: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Customer Support: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Calibration
 $132,396
12%
Career Development
 $128,850
9%
Customer Support
 $125,304
6%
Customer Focus
 $125,304
6%
Flexibility
 $125,304
6%
Innovation
 $125,304
6%
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How Education impacts a Telecommunications Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Telecommunications Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Telecommunications Engineer III with a Associate's Degree is between $110,782 and $117,039).

Telecommunications Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Telecommunications Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 18.3%
Associates 15.7%
Bachelors 38.3%
Masters 22.6%
Doctorate 4.3%
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Telecommunications Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Telecommunications Engineer III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$109,408
Average $118,211/year
$126,733
$9,117
Average $9,851/month
$10,561
$2,104
Average $2,273/week
$2,437
$53
Average $57/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $126,733 $10,561 $2,437 $61
Average $118,211 $9,851 $2,273 $57
25th Percentile $109,408 $9,117 $2,104 $53

Telecommunications Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Telecommunications Engineer III
Provisioning Engineer IV
Telecommunications Engineer IV
Provisioning Engineer Manager
Telecommunications Engineer V

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Telecommunications Engineer III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Telecommunications Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Provisioning Engineer IV $116,034 -2%
Telecommunications Engineer IV $137,240 16%

Salaries of jobs related to Telecommunications Engineer III

Most common benefits for Telecommunications Engineer III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Telecommunications Engineer III

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FAQ about Telecommunications Engineer III

1. Where can a Telecommunications Engineer III earn the most?

A Telecommunications Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Telecommunications Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Telecommunications Engineer III is $149,100.

2. What is the highest pay for Telecommunications Engineer III?

The highest pay for Telecommunications Engineer III is $134,492.

3. What is the lowest pay for Telecommunications Engineer III?

The lowest pay for Telecommunications Engineer III is $101,393.

4. What are the responsibilities of Telecommunications Engineer III?

Designs, develops, implements, maintains, and enhances telecommunication networks, systems and equipment. Analyzes existing networks and equipment and identifies opportunities for improvement. Develops solutions that meet business requirements. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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