How to become a Telecommunications Engineer
Also called: Telecommunications Network Engineer
Plans, designs, develops and monitors telecommunication systems, networks, devices and broadcasting equipment.
Main tasks
- Designs and develops telecommunications products, systems and networks
- Monitors and maintains the performance of complex telecommunication products, networks and systems
- Tests and evaluates telecommunications products, systems and networks to ensure functionality, performance and emergency contingency planning
- Provides technical support and troubleshooting for telecommunication products, systems and networks
- Develops and implements system and network security measures, and ensures compliance with regulations and legislation
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220); Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering (UEE60220); Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electronics (UEE61720); Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering (UEE50520)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $145,444 a year
- About 15,400 people work in this job group now, and about 18,800 are projected by 2035. (+21.9%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Related jobs
- ICT Network and Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Network Architect
- ICT Quality Assurance Engineer
- ICT Support Engineer
- ICT Test Analyst
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Telecommunications Engineer?
Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Advanced Diploma of Information Technology; Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering.
How much does a Telecommunications Engineer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $145,444 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Telecommunications Engineer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2035, from about 15,400 to about 18,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Telecommunications Engineer?
Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Telecommunications Engineer?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04