A person interested in a position within the telecommunications field can pursue a telecommunications degree online.  While some employers hire individuals without formal post-secondary training, preference is given to those with a formal education in the field.  Pursuing the telecommunications degree online makes it possible to complete the necessary coursework from the comforts of home.  In addition, it makes it possible to complete the coursework while remaining within the current occupation or while working around a family schedule.

Some entry-level positions within the telecommunications field only require a high school diploma or an associate level telecommunications degree, along with on the job training.  More skilled jobs, however, may require several years of experience.  Often, line installers and repairers are initially hired as helpers, tree trimmers, and grounds workers and work their way up from there. 

Earning a telecommunications degree online generally takes two to four years.  In addition to pursuing a telecommunications degree online, it is possible to attend a trade school, a college, or even a training program provided by the telecommunications company. 
 

Jobs in the telecommunications industry require delivering data, voice, video, and graphics to consumers.  Wireline telephones were once the primary means for communication.  Today, those in the telecommunications industry also work with wireless communication services, satellite dishes, and cable programming.  

The largest area within the telecommunications field is in wired telecommunication.  This field provides telephone services through wires and cables that connect the central office to the customer’s premise.  At the central office, a switching center is used to determine the best route for the content to be transmitted through.  In the past, the “content” being transmitted was the voice over a telephone.  Today, this can also include video, graphic, and electronic data being shared over the Internet.

One in four occupations with the telecommunications field are in the area of maintenance, installation, and repair.  Telecommunication repairers and installers is the single largest area in the field.  The field also includes telephone operators and other forms of communication equipment operators.  

According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the telecommunications field are expected to drop when compared to the average occupation.  This is primarily due to the strong price competition within the industry and because of industry consolidation.  As a result, telecommunications firms will likely decrease employment in order to keep their costs down, despite the increased demand for telecommunications services.  Technological improvements have also dramatically improved the efficiency of transmission lines and other technological components, reducing the need for employees to successfully run a telecommunications firm.  

The United States Department of Labor Statistics reports that the average weekly earnings for those working in the telecommunications field in a nonsupervisory position was $853 in 2004.  Those working in the area of computer software engineer and systems software earned the most, with an average median hourly wage of $35.46.  Those working as retail salespersons earned the least, with a median rage hourly wage of $12.05.