Communications Systems Installation and Repair: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop the technical expertise needed to install, maintain, and repair modern communications infrastructure. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on proficiency in troubleshooting and servicing a wide range of systems, from broadcast networks to mobile communication devices, preparing graduates for immediate entry into technical support and field service roles.
- Electronics and Circuit Principles: Study of fundamental electronic components, signal flow, and circuit behavior essential for diagnosing and repairing communication devices.
- Diagnostic Techniques: Training in systematic methods to identify faults in hardware and software systems using real-world scenarios and problem-solving strategies.
- Testing Equipment Operation: Practical experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other industry-standard tools for performance evaluation and fault detection.
- Telecommunications Systems Integration: Focus on the assembly and configuration of one- and two-way communication networks, including radio, satellite, and data transmission systems.
- Cable and Broadcast Infrastructure: In-depth coverage of television cable systems, signal distribution, and the maintenance of coaxial and fiber-optic network components.
- Mechanical and Electrical Fundamentals: Application of mechanical design principles and electrical theory to ensure safe, reliable installation and repair of equipment in diverse environments.
- Mobile and Stationary Communication Devices: Instruction on servicing handheld radios, mobile base stations, and fixed communication terminals used in public safety, transportation, and enterprise settings.
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Communications Systems Installation and Repair degrees, including Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers, Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers and Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 287,210 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers 49-9052 | $70,500 | $42,940 - $104,840 | 98,360 | $33.90 |
| Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers 49-2021 | $64,190 | $42,360 - $102,550 | 11,400 | $30.86 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers 49-2022 | $62,630 | $42,440 - $94,970 | 153,890 | $30.11 |
| Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers 49-2097 | $50,620 | $36,310 - $82,150 | 22,170 | $24.34 |
| Communications Equipment Operators, All Other 43-2099 | $49,910 | $35,980 - $89,110 | 1,390 | $24.00 |
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,747 in Arkansas to $107,295 in Rhode Island—a 116% difference. The highest-paying states include Rhode Island, Alaska, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 287,210 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Communications Systems Installation and Repair by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Communications Systems Installation and Repair programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Communications Systems Installation and Repair is found at Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) (146 graduates), Fortis Institute, Wayne (37 graduates), Perry Technical Institute (Perry Tech) (31 graduates), Fortis Institute, Lawrenceville (26 graduates), and Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 290 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
146 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | pcitraining.edu |
| Fortis Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
37 | Wayne, New Jersey | Private | fortis.edu |
| Perry Technical Institute (Perry Tech) |
Associate's
|
31 | Yakima, Washington | Private | perrytech.edu |
| Fortis Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | fortis.edu |
| Pinellas Technical College |
Other Award
|
9 | Clearwater, Florida | Public | myptc.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Residency
|
9 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Ankeny, Iowa | Public | dmacc.edu |
| Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
7 | Melbourne, Florida | Public | easternflorida.edu |
| Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | qcc.edu |
| Westmoreland County Community College |
Other Award
|
4 | Youngwood, Pennsylvania | Public | westmoreland.edu |
| Emily Griffith Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Denver, Colorado | Public | emilygriffith.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
2 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Other Award
|
1 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Communications Systems Installation and Repair programs
How much can I earn with a Communications Systems Installation and Repair degree?
Salaries for Communications Systems Installation and Repair graduates vary by role and location. Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers earn a median of $70,500 annually, while Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers earn around $64,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Rhode Island average $107,295 compared to $49,747 in Arkansas. Approximately 287,210 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Communications Systems Installation and Repair programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Communications Systems Installation and Repair degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) (146 graduates), Fortis Institute, Wayne (37 graduates), and Perry Technical Institute (Perry Tech) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Communications Systems Installation and Repair growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 476 in 2010 to 290 in 2023-24. This represents a 39% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Communications Systems Installation and Repair degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers, Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers, and Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers. Related occupations employ approximately 287,210 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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