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.
