Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
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 called: Communications Systems Technician · Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech) · Field Technician (Field Tech) · Installation Technician (Installation Tech) · Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech) · Radio Repairman
Median pay (national)
$64,190
$42,360–$102,550 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
11,400
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.6%
~1,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $102,550 versus $42,360 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $64,190 leaves roughly 60% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.6% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 45 states with released data, New York pays the most for this role (median $103,010, +60% vs the national median), while Guam sits lowest at $36,660 — a 181% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
- Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
- Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
- Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
- Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
- Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Windows
- AERONET calculator
- Backbone.js
- Caliper Maptitude
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Location mapping software
- Maintenance documentation software
- Sweep analysis software
- Zoho WebNMS Cell Tower Manager
- Microsoft Project
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security