As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Telecommunications Engineer I in the United States is $69,494 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Telecommunications Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Telecommunications Engineer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Telecommunications Engineer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications Engineer I | 0-2 years | $69,494 |
| Telecommunications Engineer II | 2-4 years | $89,273 |
| Telecommunications Engineer III | 4-7 years | $118,242 |
| Telecommunications Engineer IV | 7+ years | $137,277 |
| Telecommunications Engineer V | 7-10 years | $154,651 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Telecommunications Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 7.37% |
| Semiconductors | 2.41% |
| Dialysis | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Corrective Maintenance
|
$83,393 |
20%
|
|
Pneumatics
|
$82,003 |
18%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,833 |
12%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$77,833 |
12%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$77,138 |
11%
|
|
Customer Focus
|
$76,443 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Telecommunications Engineer Is 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 I with a Associate's Degree is between $71,760 and $76,475).
Telecommunications Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 10.1% |
| Bachelors | 51.9% |
| Masters | 19.4% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Telecommunications Engineer I'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.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Telecommunications Engineer I, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Provisioning Engineer II | $71,943 | 4% |
| Telecommunications Engineer II | $89,273 | 28% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Telecommunications Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Telecommunications Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Telecommunications Engineer I'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 I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Telecommunications Engineer I is $87,653.
The highest pay for Telecommunications Engineer I is $74,457.
The lowest pay for Telecommunications Engineer I is $53,244.
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 in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
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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