Telecommunications Trades Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Telecommunications Trades Workers install, maintain and repair data transmission equipment, aerial lines, conduits, cables, radio antennae and telecommunications equipment and appliances.
Tasks
-
examining drawings, specifications and work areas to determine positioning and connections for equipment to be installed
-
locating faults in telecommunications equipment using instruments such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, ammeters and transmission measuring equipment
-
attaching wires and cables to appliances
-
adjusting, replacing and repairing faulty items, and testing equipment using electronic instruments
-
installing cabling for telephone, radio, pay TV and computer transmission
-
joining cables and sealing sheaths with lead and thermoplastic
-
erecting, testing and maintaining aerial and underground wires and cables, and radio and mobile phone antennae
-
installing telecommunications equipment and appliances such as telephones, switchboards and data transmission equipment
Characteristics
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Informal or on-the-job
-
Practical
-
Analytical
-
Administrative
-
Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to decline
- is likely to reach 14,700 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 17,000 |
2012 | 21,900 |
2013 | 19,600 |
2014 | 26,600 |
2015 | 22,700 |
2016 | 22,800 |
2017 | 19,900 |
2018 | 26,200 |
2019 | 25,600 |
2020 | 24,400 |
2021 | 15,500 |
2026 | 14,700 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 85% of people employed as Telecommunications Trades Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 19 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than a third of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,542 per week, this is lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,245
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,725
Median hourly earnings are $38, this is similar to the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Telecommunications Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,542 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
-
Telecommunications Trades Workers work in industries like:
- Information media and telecommunications
- Construction
- Other services
- Professional, scientific and technical services.
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Telecommunications Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 31.0 | 31.6 |
VIC | 23.0 | 25.6 |
QLD | 20.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.7 | 7.0 |
WA | 11.8 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.5 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.5 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.6 | 1.9 |
-
Around 60% of Telecommunications Trades Workers live in capital cities, similar to the all jobs average of 62%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Telecommunications Trades Workers is 40 years. This is the same as the all jobs average.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 4% of the workforce. This is 44 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Telecommunications Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 2.2 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 25.9 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 22.0 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 22.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 9.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.4 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.0 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 40 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Telecommunications Trades Worker. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in telecommunications technology.
Registration or licencing may be required.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Information and Communications Technology VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Telecommunications Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 2.7 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 8.6 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 12.7 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 49.2 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 13.8 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 4.2 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 8.8 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Telecommunications Trades Workers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
54%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
52%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
52%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
50%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
50%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
-
48%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
48%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
48%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
48%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
-
46%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
46%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
-
46%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
46%
SpeakingTalking to others.
-
46%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
45%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
-
45%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
-
43%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
43%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
-
41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
76%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
67%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
64%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
59%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
53%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
49%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
49%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
44%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
44%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
43%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
43%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
43%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
38%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
36%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
34%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
30%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
30%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
-
21%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
-
21%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
55%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
55%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
-
54%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
52%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
-
52%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
50%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
-
50%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
50%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
48%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
48%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
-
48%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
45%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
45%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
-
45%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
-
43%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
38%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
72%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
71%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
70%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
70%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
63%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
60%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
58%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
57%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
-
56%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
55%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
55%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
51%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
50%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
49%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
49%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
48%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
45%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
45%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
44%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
44%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
71%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
67%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
29%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
81%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
71%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
69%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
62%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
57%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
38%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
92%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
92%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
90%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
88%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
87%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
85%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
84%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
83%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
82%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
82%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
81%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
80%
Cramped work spaceWork in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.
-
80%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
79%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
77%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
75%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
75%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
74%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
71%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
68%
Bright or inadequate lightingWork in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-2022.00 - Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.