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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Communications Managers

Median Salary
93,136
Workforce Count
23,630

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Communications managers are subject matter experts in electromagnetic spectrum operations. They plan, build, secure, operate, and defend communications networks. They oversee the development and maintenance of policies and plans that are essential to operational success. They may supervise the encryption and decryption process and appropriate routing of sensitive communications.

What is the work environment like?

Communications managers usually work in communications centers on land or aboard ships.

How many people have this role in the Military?

23,630

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$144,611

2 Years

$100,352

6 Years

$144,611

10+ Years
Median Salary
93,136

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Like other officers, communications managers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Additional training consists of classroom and field training. Job-specific training may include:

  • Communications theory and security
  • Communications-electronics management and maintenance
  • Satellite and signals communications
  • Electronic principles, technologies, and systems
  • Tactical combat communications systems
  • Computer systems

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    47%

  • Some college

    25%

  • Master's degree

    14%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    2%

  • Post baccalaureate

    2%

  • High school

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
  • Management Information Systems, General
  • Management Information Systems and Services, Other
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science, General
  • Information Resources Management
  • Information Technology
  • Operations Management and Supervision
  • Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
  • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
  • Network and System Administration/Administrator
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Knowledge Management
  • Telecommunications Management
  • Economics and Computer Science
  • Accounting and Computer Science

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics
  • Administration and Management
  • Personnel and Human Resources

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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