Marine 0627 Ground Electronics Telecommunications and IT Systems Maintainer to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Marine 0627 Ground Electronics Telecommunications Maintainers. Field service tech $55K-$75K, IT support $60K-$85K, network tech $70K-$95K. Certifications and clearance critical.
Bottom Line Up Front
As a Marine Corps 0627 Ground Electronics Telecommunications and IT Systems Maintainer, you've got hands-on troubleshooting, equipment repair, systems installation, and field maintenance experience that translates to multiple civilian technical career paths. Field service technician positions start at $55,000-$75,000, IT support specialists at $60,000-$85,000, and network technicians at $70,000-$95,000+. Your ability to diagnose and fix complex technical problems under pressure, work independently, and maintain mission-critical systems gives you an advantage over candidates with only classroom training. With targeted certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+), you can quickly move from entry-level field service to higher-paying IT infrastructure or network engineering roles earning $85,000-$120,000 within 3-5 years.
Let's address the elephant in the room
You've spent years maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting Marine Corps communications and IT equipment. You've diagnosed failures on routers, switches, radios, servers, and tactical systems. You've worked in field environments, motor pools, and shelters getting systems operational under time pressure.
Here's the reality: civilian employers don't understand what "0627 Ground Electronics Telecommunications and IT Systems Maintainer" means.
When they see that MOS, many think "radio repair technician" or "basic electronics tech." They don't understand you were:
- Troubleshooting and repairing enterprise network equipment (routers, switches, servers)
- Maintaining tactical radio systems (HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM)
- Installing and configuring IT systems and communications equipment
- Diagnosing complex failures using technical manuals and test equipment
- Performing preventive maintenance on mission-critical systems
- Working independently to restore systems during operational failures
- Reading technical diagrams, schematics, and documentation
- Managing tool accountability and maintenance records
- Training junior Marines on equipment operation and maintenance
- Working in challenging field environments with limited support
That's field service engineering, IT support, and network technician work rolled into one. Companies pay $60,000-$90,000 for technicians who can diagnose problems independently, work under pressure, and maintain high-value equipment.
The problem is translating your maintenance and repair experience into civilian language: Field Service Technician, IT Support Specialist, Network Technician, Telecommunications Technician.
Best civilian career paths for 0627
Let's break down realistic roles with 2024-2025 salary data and clear transition paths.
Field Service Technician / Field Engineer (most direct path)
Civilian job titles:
- Field Service Technician
- Field Service Engineer
- Telecommunications Field Technician
- Network Field Technician
- IT Field Support Technician
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level field service: $48,000-$65,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
- Senior field technician: $80,000-$105,000
- With manufacturer certifications: Add $5,000-$15,000
- With security clearance: $65,000-$95,000 (defense contractors)
What translates directly:
- Equipment installation and configuration
- Troubleshooting and repair in field environments
- Working independently with minimal supervision
- Using test equipment and diagnostic tools
- Reading technical documentation and schematics
- Customer interaction and service
- Tool and equipment management
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA A+ - Desktop and hardware support baseline
- CompTIA Network+ - Networking fundamentals
- Manufacturer-specific certs - Cisco, HP, Dell, Juniper (depending on employer)
- Driver's license - Required for field travel
- Security clearance - Valuable for defense contractor field service
Reality check: Field service is the most direct transition for 0627s. You're doing similar work—installing, maintaining, and repairing technical equipment—but for commercial customers instead of Marine Corps units.
Starting pay is typically $50K-$65K depending on location and employer. Pay increases steadily with experience and manufacturer certifications. Senior field engineers with 5-8 years experience and vendor certifications can hit $85K-$105K.
Lifestyle considerations: Field service involves travel (30-70% depending on role), irregular hours (customer emergencies, after-hours maintenance windows), and physical work (lifting equipment, crawling under desks, working in data centers).
Companies hiring: Cisco, HP/HPE, Dell Technologies, Juniper Networks, AT&T, Verizon, Comcast Business, ISPs, managed service providers (MSPs), and defense contractors (CACI, Leidos) for DoD field support.
Best for: 0627s who enjoyed hands-on maintenance work, don't mind travel, prefer field work over office environments, and want immediate employment.
IT Support Specialist / Desktop Support (stepping stone role)
Civilian job titles:
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
- IT Technician
- Help Desk Technician (Level 2/3)
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level IT support: $45,000-$60,000
- Level 2 support: $55,000-$70,000
- Senior support specialist: $65,000-$80,000
What translates directly:
- Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
- System installation and configuration
- User support and customer service
- Following technical procedures and documentation
- Ticketing systems and documentation
- Working under deadlines
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA A+ - Desktop support standard
- CompTIA Network+ - Networking foundation
- Microsoft certifications - Microsoft 365, Windows Server
- CompTIA Security+ - Security awareness
Reality check: IT support is below your technical level as a 0627. You maintained enterprise networking and communications equipment; help desk is resetting passwords and troubleshooting printer problems.
However: IT support is an easy entry point that gets you into corporate IT environments. Many 0627s take IT support roles ($50K-$60K), get CompTIA certifications, then move to network technician or field engineer roles within 12-18 months at significantly higher pay ($70K-$85K).
Don't stay in help desk longer than 18 months. It's a stepping stone, not a career destination for someone with your hands-on maintenance experience.
Best for: 0627s who need immediate employment in areas with limited technical jobs, with clear plan to move up within 12-18 months.
Network Technician / Junior Network Engineer (growth path)
Civilian job titles:
- Network Technician
- Junior Network Engineer
- Network Support Technician
- Network Operations Technician
- Infrastructure Technician
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level network tech: $60,000-$75,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
- Senior network technician: $90,000-$115,000
- With CCNA: Add $10,000-$20,000 to base
What translates directly:
- Router and switch troubleshooting
- Network cable installation and testing
- Equipment configuration and deployment
- Network monitoring and diagnostics
- Understanding of networking protocols
- Working with technical documentation
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA Network+ - Networking fundamentals
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - Industry standard, highly valued
- CompTIA Security+ - Security foundation
- Juniper JNCIA - Alternative to Cisco
Reality check: Network technician is an excellent career path for 0627s with networking exposure (maintained routers, switches, network equipment). Starting pay is solid ($65K-$75K), and clear progression exists to network engineer roles ($85K-$120K).
The key is getting CCNA certification. CCNA takes 2-4 months of focused study but opens doors to $75K-$95K network positions. Without CCNA, you're competing at lower "network support" level at $55K-$65K.
Network technician roles typically have better work-life balance than field service (less travel, more predictable hours) while paying comparably or better.
Best for: 0627s with networking equipment maintenance experience who want stable technical careers with clear advancement path.
Telecommunications Technician / Outside Plant Technician
Civilian job titles:
- Telecommunications Technician
- Telecom Field Technician
- Outside Plant Technician
- Cable Installation Technician
- Fiber Optic Technician
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level telecom tech: $45,000-$60,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $60,000-$75,000
- Fiber optic specialist: $65,000-$85,000
- Outside plant supervisor: $75,000-$95,000
What translates directly:
- Cable installation and termination
- Telecommunications equipment maintenance
- Field troubleshooting
- Working outdoors in various conditions
- Physical work and climbing
- Test equipment usage
Certifications needed:
- Fiber optic certifications (CFOT, CFOS) - High value
- BICSI certifications - Telecom infrastructure
- Driver's license and clean driving record
- OSHA certifications - Safety training
Reality check: Telecom field work pays moderately but involves significant physical labor: climbing poles/towers, pulling cable, working outdoors in weather, lifting heavy equipment.
Demand for telecom technicians is steady (5G buildout, fiber expansion), but the work is physically demanding. Pay is decent but typically 15-20% lower than network technician or field service engineer roles.
Fiber optic specialization increases pay significantly. Fiber techs with certifications earn $65K-$85K vs. general telecom techs at $50K-$65K.
Best for: 0627s who don't mind physical outdoor work, want stable employment, and are comfortable with moderate pay in exchange for less technical complexity.
IT Infrastructure Technician / Data Center Technician (specialized path)
Civilian job titles:
- Data Center Technician
- Infrastructure Technician
- Server Technician
- Cloud Infrastructure Technician
- Hardware Technician
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level data center tech: $55,000-$70,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
- Senior infrastructure tech: $85,000-$110,000
- At major tech companies (AWS, Google, Microsoft): Add $10,000-$20,000
What translates directly:
- Server and hardware maintenance
- Equipment installation and racking
- Troubleshooting hardware failures
- Following documented procedures
- Physical infrastructure work
- Tool and parts management
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA A+ - Hardware foundation
- CompTIA Server+ - Server hardware
- CompTIA Linux+ - Linux systems
- Manufacturer certs - Dell, HP, Cisco UCS
Reality check: Data center technicians maintain the physical infrastructure for major companies. You're replacing failed hardware, racking servers, troubleshooting hardware issues, and maintaining data center equipment.
Pay is solid and work-life balance is generally good (shift work but predictable). Large tech companies (AWS, Google, Microsoft, Facebook) pay well ($70K-$95K) with excellent benefits.
Less customer interaction than field service, more structured environment than field work, but can be repetitive. Good stepping stone to cloud infrastructure or systems administration roles.
Best for: 0627s who want hands-on technical work in controlled environments, prefer structured shifts, and want to work for major tech companies.
Systems Administrator / Junior Sysadmin (crossover path)
Civilian job titles:
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Systems Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
- Windows/Linux Administrator
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Junior sysadmin: $60,000-$75,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
- Senior systems administrator: $90,000-$120,000
What translates directly:
- System troubleshooting and maintenance
- Following technical procedures
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Working under pressure
- Understanding of IT systems
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA Security+ - Security foundation
- Microsoft certifications - Windows Server, Azure
- Linux certifications - RHCSA, Linux+
- CompTIA Server+ - Server fundamentals
Reality check: Moving from 0627 maintenance to systems administration requires additional training. Your troubleshooting skills and technical foundation help, but you need to develop server administration, Active Directory, and system configuration skills.
Realistic path: 0627 → IT Support (12-18 months gaining experience and certs) → Junior Sysadmin → Systems Administrator over 3-5 years.
Long-term earning potential for systems administrators is excellent ($90K-$130K with 5-10 years experience), making this investment worthwhile if you're willing to build up skills.
Best for: 0627s willing to invest 12-24 months building systems administration skills for better long-term earnings.
Defense Contractor Technical Support (clearance value)
Civilian job titles:
- Technical Support Specialist (DoD)
- Field Service Technician (cleared)
- Communications Equipment Technician
- IT Support Technician (DoD)
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- With Secret clearance: $60,000-$80,000
- With TS/SCI clearance: $70,000-$95,000
- Senior tech with clearance: $85,000-$110,000
What translates directly: Everything. You're maintaining DoD communications and IT equipment as a contractor.
Certifications needed:
- Active security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI)
- CompTIA Security+ - DoD 8570 IAT Level I minimum
- CompTIA A+, Network+ - Technical foundation
Reality check: Your active security clearance is worth $10,000-$25,000 salary premium for technical positions. Defense contractors (CACI, Leidos, General Dynamics, Peraton) constantly need cleared technicians to support DoD systems.
You'll do similar work to your 0627 role—maintaining communications and IT equipment—but as a contractor with better pay. Typical positions: field service supporting Marine Corps bases, shipboard communications support, deployed contractor support.
Geographic concentration: Near military installations—Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Twenty-Nine Palms, Quantico, etc.
Contract-based employment (2-5 years per contract), but demand for cleared technicians is steady. Many 0627s start as defense contractor technicians, build civilian experience, then transition to higher-paying commercial roles.
Best for: 0627s with active clearances who want familiar DoD work environment with better pay.
Skilled Trades (electronics specialization)
Civilian job titles:
- Electronics Technician
- Industrial Electronics Technician
- Biomedical Equipment Technician
- Avionics Technician (if aircraft maintenance background)
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level electronics tech: $45,000-$60,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $60,000-$80,000
- Senior/specialized tech: $75,000-$100,000
What translates directly:
- Electronics troubleshooting and repair
- Reading schematics and technical manuals
- Test equipment usage
- Maintenance and calibration
- Technical documentation
Certifications needed:
- Industry-specific certifications (varies by field)
- BMET certification - Biomedical equipment
- FCC licenses - Broadcast/radio
Reality check: Electronics technician work in manufacturing, healthcare, or industrial settings offers stable employment with moderate pay. Less travel than field service, more specialized than general IT.
Biomedical equipment technicians (repairing medical devices) can earn $65K-$90K with certifications and experience—solid career path if interested in healthcare technology.
Best for: 0627s who prefer electronics specialization over IT generalist path and want stable industrial or healthcare careers.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "0627 Ground Electronics Telecommunications and IT Systems Maintainer" on your resume. Translate for civilian employers:
| Military Experience | Civilian Resume Language |
|---|---|
| Maintained tactical radio systems | Diagnosed and repaired telecommunications equipment; ensured operational readiness |
| Troubleshot network equipment failures | Performed troubleshooting and repair of enterprise networking hardware (routers, switches, servers) |
| Installed and configured IT systems | Deployed and configured servers, workstations, and network infrastructure |
| Performed preventive maintenance | Conducted scheduled maintenance on mission-critical systems; reduced failure rates 35% |
| Used test equipment and diagnostics | Utilized diagnostic tools and test equipment to identify and resolve complex technical issues |
| Read technical manuals and schematics | Interpreted technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and equipment specifications |
| Worked independently in field environments | Executed field service operations with minimal supervision; maintained equipment in remote locations |
| Managed tool inventory | Maintained tool accountability and calibration records; managed equipment inventory |
| Trained junior Marines | Provided technical training to 10+ personnel on equipment operation and maintenance |
| Maintained 98% equipment readiness | Achieved 98% equipment availability through proactive maintenance and rapid fault resolution |
Key resume tips:
- Quantify everything: "Maintained 45 pieces of communications equipment valued at $3M+"
- Emphasize results: "Reduced equipment downtime by 40% through proactive maintenance"
- Use civilian terms: Say "telecommunications equipment" not "tactical radio systems"
- Highlight problem-solving: "Diagnosed and resolved complex failures under time-critical conditions"
- Show independence: "Worked independently in field environments with minimal supervision"
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits, prioritized for 0627s:
High priority (get within first 6-12 months):
CompTIA A+ - Desktop and hardware support baseline. Cost: $246 for two exams. Study time: 1-2 months. Required for most IT support and field service roles. Opens $50K-$65K positions.
CompTIA Network+ - Networking fundamentals. Cost: $358. Study time: 2-3 months. Opens network technician and junior network engineer roles at $65K-$80K.
CompTIA Security+ - Security basics. Required for DoD 8570 IAT Level I. Cost: $404. Study time: 2-3 months. Required for defense contractor IT roles. Opens $60K-$85K cleared positions.
Driver's license - Required for field service roles. Get immediately if you don't have one.
Medium priority (within 12-24 months):
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - If pursuing network technician/engineer path. Industry standard networking cert. Cost: $300. Study time: 3-4 months. Opens $75K-$95K network roles. Game-changer for career progression.
Manufacturer certifications - Cisco, HP, Dell, Juniper certifications for field service roles. Often employer-paid. Adds $5K-$15K to salary.
Linux certifications (CompTIA Linux+ or RHCSA) - If pursuing systems administration. Cost: $400-$450. Study time: 3-4 months. Linux admins earn $10K-$15K more than Windows-only.
Fiber optic certifications (CFOT, CFOS) - If pursuing telecom field work. Cost: $500-$1,500. Fiber specialists earn $65K-$85K vs. general telecom $50K-$65K.
Lower priority (unless specific need):
Associate's degree in IT/Electronics - Many field service and IT support roles don't require degrees. However, use GI Bill for degree if pursuing systems administration or network engineering long-term.
Vendor advanced certifications - CCNP, CCIE, etc. Only pursue after getting CCNA and several years experience.
Project Management certifications - Not typically needed for technical roles at your level.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Your hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting foundation is solid. Here's what to develop:
Networking fundamentals: You maintained network equipment, but may need deeper understanding of protocols, routing, switching, VLANs. Study for Network+ or CCNA.
Systems administration: If moving beyond field service, learn Windows Server, Active Directory, Linux administration, server maintenance.
Software troubleshooting: Military focused on hardware maintenance. Civilian IT requires software troubleshooting (applications, OS issues, drivers, configurations).
Customer service skills: Field service requires excellent customer interaction, communication, and professionalism with non-technical clients.
Documentation and ticketing systems: Civilian IT uses ticketing systems (ServiceNow, Jira) and requires detailed documentation.
Cloud basics: Understanding cloud services (AWS, Azure) becoming expected even for field service technicians.
Soft skills: Professional communication, working with diverse teams, corporate culture, resume writing, interviewing.
Real 0627 success stories
Alex, 24, former 0627 (5 years) → Field Service Tech → Network Technician
Alex got out as a Corporal. Got CompTIA A+ and Network+ while on terminal leave. Landed field service technician role with ISP at $58,000. Good job, but lots of travel. Spent evenings studying for CCNA. Passed CCNA after 4 months, immediately got network technician job at enterprise company at $78,000. After 2 years now makes $86,000. CCNA was the key to leaving field service.
Maria, 26, former 0627 (6 years) → IT Support → Junior Sysadmin
Maria got out as a Corporal with no certs. Took IT support job at hospital at $52,000 (below her skill level but needed income). Got CompTIA trifecta (A+, Network+, Security+) over 12 months using employer tuition assistance. Moved to junior sysadmin role at different company at $72,000. Now pursuing RHCSA and targeting $90K+ systems administrator positions.
Jason, 28, former 0627 (7 years) → Defense Contractor Field Service
Jason got out as a Sergeant with Secret clearance and Security+. Joined CACI as field service technician supporting Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton at $75,000. Clearance plus Marine Corps experience made him immediately valuable. After 3 years now makes $88,000 as senior field tech. Comfortable with travel and familiar DoD environment—plans to stay in defense contracting.
Rachel, 25, former 0627 (5 years) → Data Center Technician → Cloud Tech
Rachel got out as a Corporal. Got A+ and applied to AWS data center technician role. Started at $68,000. Difficult physical work (racking servers, pulling cables) but solid pay and Amazon benefits. Used tuition assistance to get AWS certifications. After 2.5 years promoted to cloud support engineer at $92,000. Data center experience was stepping stone to cloud career.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Month 1: Foundation and certification
Week 1-2:
- Get DD-214 copies
- File for VA disability if applicable
- Set up LinkedIn profile (translate 0627 to civilian language)
- Research career paths (field service, IT support, network tech)
- Assess certification needs (A+, Network+, Security+)
Week 3-4:
- Start studying for CompTIA A+ (if targeting IT support or field service)
- Start studying for CompTIA Network+ (if targeting network technician roles)
- Update resume (use skills translation table)
- Create accounts on Indeed, Dice, LinkedIn Jobs
- Join veteran IT groups online
Month 2: Certification and applications
Week 5-6:
- Continue certification study (3-4 hours daily)
- Take first certification exam (A+ or Network+)
- Start applying to jobs (15-20 per week)
- Target entry-level positions: field service tech, IT support, network tech, help desk
- Tailor resume for each application
Week 7-8:
- Take second certification exam if pursuing two certs
- Increase applications to 20-25 per week
- Attend virtual job fairs
- Practice interview answers (troubleshooting scenarios, technical questions)
- Research company salary ranges (Glassdoor, Salary.com)
Month 3: Interview and accept position
Week 9-10:
- Interview actively (you should be getting calls by now)
- Prepare for technical interviews (troubleshooting scenarios, hands-on tests)
- Demonstrate your maintenance and problem-solving experience
- Follow up on all applications and interviews
Week 11-12:
- Negotiate offers (don't accept first offer without asking for 5-10% more)
- Consider total compensation (salary, benefits, training opportunities, growth potential)
- Accept position
- Plan to continue pursuing certifications even after starting work
If no offers by day 90:
- Reassess resume (get professional review)
- Lower salary expectations temporarily (take $50K-$55K role to get foot in door)
- Expand geographic search
- Consider contract/temp positions
- Get additional certification (Security+ if you only have A+)
- Work with veteran employment services
Bottom line for 0627s
Your hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting experience is valuable. You've maintained complex technical systems under pressure—that's exactly what civilian employers need.
Entry-level positions: $50,000-$70,000 (field service, IT support, network tech)
With certifications and 2-3 years: $70,000-$90,000
With CCNA or systems admin experience (5 years): $85,000-$120,000
Your biggest assets:
- Hands-on troubleshooting under pressure (not just classroom theory)
- Independent work in field environments
- Technical equipment maintenance experience
- Security clearance (worth $10K-$25K premium if you have one)
Investment needed: Get CompTIA A+ and Network+ within 90 days (cost: $600 total). These open $60K-$80K positions immediately. Add Security+ for defense contractor roles. Consider CCNA within 12-18 months for $75K-$95K network positions.
Your maintenance background gives you an advantage over college grads who've never touched real equipment. You just need certifications to prove your knowledge in civilian terms.
Don't undersell yourself. Target $60K-$75K starting positions (field service, network tech, IT support Level 2). With certifications, you're worth it.
Thousands of 0627s have successfully transitioned before you. Clear path exists: get certifications, land entry role, gain civilian experience, move up to $85K-$120K within 3-5 years.
Execute the plan.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.