There are a lot of different career categories in this field. One of these categories is telecommunications equipment installers. They install, maintain, and repair the equipment and networks that are required for telecommunications and fiber optic networks to run correctly. There also office staff that work to support customer service and the information side of this field. Another category is a professional one that includes engineers who helps to plan, engineer, and maintain the vast telecommunications networks that keeps our world connected. This category can also include software and computer engineers who utilize their skills to help keep networks running correctly. A final category is that of service sales. This entire field would be obsolete without the ability to sell it to customers who need the services that it offers.  

Strong Job Outlook and Wage Potential

The job outlook in this huge career field continues to change and morph as quickly as the telecommunications services that we utilize every day. The job outlook in this field is highest for those who install, maintain, and repair the telecommunications network. Also, those in the engineering and computer areas will continue to see job growth. Job growth will also be created as a large number of current employees in the field retire and more customers want wireless network capabilities, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It's also important to realize that those with degrees and job training will have the best opportunities for great jobs and job growth in this field over the coming decade.

Earnings vary greatly in the field of fiber optics and telecommunications. Those on the professional side including engineers and computer specialists averaged anywhere from $41.00 to $34.00 per hour depending on their degree and work experience. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, and line installers had an hourly wage between $23.00 and $27.00 per hour in 2008, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Educational Opportunities in the Telecommunications Fiber Optics Field

There are many excellent educational programs for those wanting to obtain a degree or certification in the field of telecommunications. Some schools actually offer a telecom management degree that specializes in the telecom industry, technology, management, and customer service relations. Many schools also offer online courses in this type of degree. The important thing for graduates is to decide what part of this vast field they want to specialize in and find the right education to match that job and then get that education to become part of the amazing telecommunication fiber optics career field.