Communications Technology
Quick Facts: Communications Technology Training
Where it's offered
Communications Technology programs are offered at 4 schools across 3 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $24,135/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Communications Technology — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 4 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 26/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Communications Technology Graduates Do
Your career could start in a darkened edit suite, piecing together raw footage with software like Adobe Premiere Pro to create a compelling story for a commercial or documentary. Or, you might be on your feet, setting up complex audio-visual systems—microphones, cameras, and live-streaming gear—for corporate events or broadcast productions. Entry-level roles often involve assisting senior technicians or editors, learning the ropes by running cables, logging media, or performing initial cuts.
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With a few years of experience, you’ll take the lead on projects, becoming an independent editor, a lead broadcast technician, or a go-to AV specialist. Demand is strongest for film and video editors and other media workers, where new content and live events are always needed. While starting salaries are solid, top-tier specialists and those who launch their own production or event technology companies can earn significantly more. AI tools are emerging to assist with tasks like transcription or generating rough edits, but the creative decision-making and hands-on technical problem-solving remain firmly in human hands.
Students considering Communications Technology also weigh Audio & Video Technology, Film & Photography, and Music — see each trade's earnings and school count side by side.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Communications Technology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Audio Operator
RAPIDS 879 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $37K – $53,920 – $80K | -2.8% |
|
Digital Video Editor (Existing Title: Film Or Video Tape Editor)
RAPIDS 2070CB |
Competency | Competency | $50K – $70,980 – $102K | 4.0% |
|
Field Engineer (Radio & Tv)
RAPIDS 960 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $37K – $53,920 – $80K | -2.8% |
|
Film Or Videotape Editor
RAPIDS 127 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $50K – $70,980 – $102K | 4.0% |
|
Recording Engineer
RAPIDS 926 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $48K – $66,430 – $100K | -1.7% |
|
Sound Mixer
RAPIDS 527 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $48K – $66,430 – $100K | -1.7% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Communications Technology Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Communications Technology is offered at 4 schools across 3 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Communications Technology Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Communications Technology programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
4 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MO |
44 42–45 |
| 2 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TN |
38 33–40 |
| 3 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
28 24–30 |
| 4 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
23 19–25 |
Highest Earning Communications Technology Programs
Schools where Communications Technology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $32,713/yr | 44 |
| Pellissippi State Community College | $25,754/yr | 38 |
| Full Sail University | $23,799/yr | 28 |
| Full Sail University | $14,274/yr | 23 |
Best ROI for Communications Technology
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Communications Technology.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellissippi State Community College | 38.1x | $25,754/yr | 38 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | 32.3x | $32,713/yr | 44 |
| Full Sail University | 8.0x | $23,799/yr | 28 |
| Full Sail University | 1.7x | $14,274/yr | 23 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Communications Technology degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.