Communications Equipment Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Communications Equipment Operators Make?
Communications Equipment Operators earn a median annual salary of $49,910 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,980 at the 10th percentile to $89,110 at the 90th percentile — a range of $53,130. The highest-paying state is California at $88,080.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,980 |
| 25th percentile | $44,620 |
| Median (50th) | $49,910 |
| 75th percentile | $64,310 |
| 90th percentile | $89,110 |
Communications Equipment Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $88,080 |
| Texas | $55,880 |
| Massachusetts | $53,000 |
| Tennessee | $49,760 |
| Louisiana | $48,550 |
| Michigan | $46,090 |
| Ohio | $46,090 |
| Florida | $36,960 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Communications Equipment Operators
Communications Equipment Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,980 – $44,620 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$49,910 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$64,310 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $89,110+ |
How to Earn More as a Communications Equipment Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Communications Equipment Operators in California earn $88,080 — $38,170 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($64,310) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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SOC: 43-2099.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.