Communications Technologies/Technicians And Support Services

Best Communications Technologies/Technicians institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 40 U.S. colleges offering Communications Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 17 states.

Institutions
40
offering CIP 10.01
States offered
17
with a program page
With earnings data
6
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
1,042
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$25,754
1 year after graduation
US pay · Broadcast Technicians
$64,220
BLS OEWS 2024

About Communications Technologies/Technicians programs

The Communications Technologies/Technicians program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to work in the rapidly evolving field of communications technology. This program is designed for individuals interested in the technical aspects of telecommunications, broadcasting, and media, providing a solid foundation for a career in this dynamic industry. Students will engage with a variety of technologies and support services, gaining hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. The program is suitable for those who enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for technology, preparing them for various roles in communications and media sectors.

Learn more about Communications Technologies/Technicians

What you'll learn

Core coursework covers essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Students will gain knowledge in computers and electronics, telecommunications, and engineering technology, alongside practical tasks such as monitoring transmitter readings and ensuring quality broadcasts.

Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO Public · Associate degree
$32,7134733%
2CUNY York College
Jamaica, NY Public · Bachelor's degree
$27,0641032%
3Pellissippi State Community College
Knoxville, TN Public · Associate degree
$25,7548131%$6,000
4East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree
$23,8263243%$26,825
5Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$15,89347944%$32,163$20,500
6Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon
Bayamon, PR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$11,9402535%$10,334$6,487

Offered across 17 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Missourilimited1$32,713Ozarks Technical Community College
New Yorklimited1$27,064CUNY York College
Tennesseelimited2$25,754Pellissippi State Community College
Pennsylvania3$23,826East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Florida15$15,893Full Sail University
Coloradolimited1
Connecticutlimited1
Delawarelimited1
Marylandlimited2
Michiganlimited2
Montanalimited1
North Dakotalimited1
Ohio3
South Carolinalimited1
Texaslimited2
Wisconsinlimited1
Mainelimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4012, Broadcast Technicians, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Communications Technologies/Technicians program can pursue careers in various sectors of communications technology. The job outlook indicates a decline of 2.8%, with approximately 1,800 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $53,920, and an associate's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-2.8%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~1,800
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$53,920
typically Associate's degree
National employment
21,080
Broadcast Technicians
US average pay
$64,220
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$53,920
annual

Top-paying metros

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
$93,850avg
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$92,790avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$90,360avg
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
$83,950avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$83,250avg

Related careers

Film and Video Editors
$83,530 avg · 28,860 jobs
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
$84,870 avg · 23,590 jobs
Broadcast Technicians
$64,220 avg · 21,080 jobs
Sound Engineering Technicians
$79,280 avg · 13,050 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Communications Technologies/Technicians programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Learning
Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
Telecommunications
Engineering and Technology
Communications and Media
English Language
Design

What graduates do on the job

  • Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
  • Monitor and log transmitter readings.
  • Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
  • Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
  • Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.

Tools & technology

Adobe After EffectsAdobe AuditionAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Premiere ProApple Final Cut ProAutodesk AutoCAD

Concentrations within Communications Technologies/Technicians

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Communications Technology/Technician
    CIP 10.0105

    A program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries

Common questions

What is the focus of the Communications Technologies/Technicians program?+

The program focuses on the technical aspects of telecommunications, broadcasting, and media.

What skills will I learn in this program?+

You will learn critical thinking, active listening, and technical skills in computers and electronics.

What is the job outlook for graduates?+

The job outlook shows a decline of 2.8%, with about 1,800 annual openings.

What level of education is typically required?+

An associate's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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