Microsoft Teams has emerged as the global leader in unified communications software with over 320 million monthly users . However, one vital component in this entire suite is creating an unprecedented demand for experienced network architects: Teams Phone System with Direct Routing.
From traditional PBX systems, organizations are now making the transition to Microsoft Teams to be used as their main business phones. Such a transition involves using certified AudioCodes SBCs to connect Microsoft Teams to the PSTN.
This has led to a serious talent shortage of individuals possessing expertise on Microsoft Teams Direct Routing coupled with AudioCodes SBC. The high demand has led to astronomical salaries being offered in the industry.
Key Insight: Direct Routing is the most flexible way to connect Teams to the PSTN, allowing enterprises to “bring their own carrier” and integrate with existing voice and contact center platforms.
The compensation numbers are compelling. Here’s what professionals with AudioCodes SBC and Teams Direct Routing expertise are earning:
| Location | Role | Salary Range |
| United States (Remote) | Senior Microsoft Teams Telephony Engineer | $128,000 – $139,000 annually |
| United States (Remote) | Voice Engineer | $170,000 – $230,000 annually |
| United Kingdom (Remote) | Voice Support Engineer | £55,000 – £65,000 annually |
| United Kingdom (Contract) | Teams Telephony Administrator | Up to £500/day |
| Switzerland | Microsoft 365 & Azure Consultant | CHF 105,000 – 125,000 annually |
As is evident, job postings from the United States always offer a minimum salary of $130,000, while some positions even go up to $230,000 for senior-level jobs. In the UK, there is daily rate employment at the cost of £500. These are top-of-the-range salary packages.
Fast Enterprise Adoption: There is rapid adoption of Teams Phone Systems, which demands talented engineers to handle migration and support afterward.
Technical Complexity: The skills include knowledge about VoIP/SIP, Microsoft 365, network security, and AudioCodes’ own unique environment.
Business Significance: Voice connection is very important. Companies are ready to spend extra money for ensuring the reliability of their voice systems.
Specific Skills: AudioCodes SBC configuration and Teams Direct Routing are special skills. That is why the “experience with AudioCodes products (not Audio Codec – specifically OEM solutions)” is required .
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
Direct Routing technology allows companies to integrate Microsoft Teams to PSTN or their existing carrier infrastructure through the use of an SBC which has been certified. Compared to Calling Plans provided by Microsoft, Direct Routing provides the following benefits:
Flexibility: Choice of any carrier or utilization of existing agreements
Control: Preservation of existing voice infrastructure
Cost Savings: Utilization of existing carrier rates and dialing plans
Investment Protection: Integration with existing PBX during transition
AudioCodes stands out from among other companies providing SBCs for Teams Direct Routing as a market leader in this segment. The company’s Mediant series SBCs have been certified by Microsoft and are widely used. Employers specifically require the candidates with “hands-on experience with AudioCodes Mediant SBCs” for these reasons .
Important note: Microsoft introduced new requirements for certification of SBCs utilized in Teams Direct Routing via mutual TLS starting from March 2026. Companies that make use of AudioCodes SBCs need to validate their firmware version and root certificate chain.
Employers consistently list these skills for top-paying roles:
Direct Routing in Hybrid Deployment Model
Many companies have implemented Direct Routing technology in hybrid deployment model :
Senior-level roles involve:
The need for experts with AudioCodes SBC & Teams Direct Routing knowledge is not just a fleeting trend; it is caused by a paradigm shift in how enterprises manage their communications. The following is how you can specialize in this area:
1. Lay a Solid Foundation
2. Work With AudioCodes Products
3. Direct Routing For Microsoft Teams Phone System
4. Obtain Certifications
AudioCodes SBC & Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is arguably the highest-paying network specialization available right now. U.S.-based roles consistently exceed $130,000, with senior positions reaching $230,000. Contract rates of £500/day in the UK and CHF 125,000 in Switzerland demonstrate the global nature of this demand.
The combination of enterprise urgency (migrating to Teams), specialized skills (AudioCodes SBC + Teams Direct Routing), and critical business impact (voice systems must work flawlessly) creates the perfect conditions for premium compensation.
Sunshine Learning offers specialized training designed to help you enter this high-paying field:
✅ Expert-led courses on AudioCodes SBC configuration
✅ Hands-on labs with real-world scenarios
✅ Teams Direct Routing deployment training
✅ Industry-recognized certification preparation
Don’t wait for this opportunity to pass. The demand is now and salaries are premium.
Q: Is Teams Direct Routing still relevant in 2026?
A: Absolutely. With 320+ million Teams users and enterprises actively migrating to Teams Phone, Direct Routing remains critical. New Microsoft requirements (like mTLS certificate changes effective March 2026) create fresh demand for specialists .
Q: What’s the typical career progression?
A: Network/Voice Engineer → Senior Voice Engineer → Teams Telephony Architect. Salary can increase 50-100% as you gain direct experience.
Q: Do I need previous VoIP experience?
A: Yes. AudioCodes recommends at least one year of practical experience with PSTN protocols, VoIP, and SIP network architecture before pursuing advanced certification
