Career Overview
Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.
Also Known As
- Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech)
- Radio Technician (Radio Tech)
- Tower Technician (Tower Tech)
- Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)
Alternate Job Titles
- Avionics Repair Technician (Avionics Repair Tech)
- Broadcasting Equipment Mechanic
- Cell Tower Technician (Cell Tower Tech)
- Cellular Equipment Installer (Cell Equipment Installer)
- Cellular Equipment Repairer (Cell Equipment Repairer)
- Cellular Tower Climber (Cell Tower Climber)
- Certified Tower Climber
- Communications Security Repairer
- Communications Systems Technician
- Communications Technician
- Communications Tower Climber
- Electronic Equipment Repairer
- Fiber Optic Technician
- Field Radio Technician
- Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
- Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
- Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
- Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
- Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
- Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
- Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology to inspect towers and antennas for damage or maintenance needs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Perceptual Speed
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Alignment tools
- All-purpose snips
- Analog ohmmeters
- Antenna analyzers
- Antenna socket sets
- Backhoes
- Ball peen hammers
- Bench ammeters
- Bench scales
- Bench voltmeters
- Bucket trucks
- Butane soldering irons
- Cabinet-tip screwdrivers
- Cable cutters
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $42,360 |
| Median | $64,190 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $102,550 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 11,400
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,630
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $70,500
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $50,620
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $127,590
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.