Telecoms Engineer

Install and repair telephone, broadband and business network infrastructure.

This UK telecoms engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£22,000 - £30,000
Mid-career salary
£32,000 - £45,000
Senior salary
£50,000 - £65,000
Work environment
On-site, hands-on, often outdoors
Time to entry
2 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
Degree required
Not required - apprenticeship route
Category
Skilled Trades

What a Telecoms Engineer does

Install and repair telephone, broadband and business network infrastructure.

  • Copper and Broadband - Install and fault-find on copper and FTTC.
  • Mobile Network - Install, commission and maintain mobile sites.
  • Business Voice and Data - Install VoIP and managed services for SMEs.
  • Network Engineer - Configure routers, switches and SD-WAN.

How to become a Telecoms Engineer

  1. Look up Telecoms Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Telecoms Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Copper and fibre
  • Networking basics
  • Climbing/poles
  • Customer comms
  • Driving licence