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Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Also called: Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech), Radio Technician (Radio Tech), Tower Technician (Tower Tech), Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • mechanical

Communications

  • telecommunications
  • multimedia

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Analytical or scientific software

  • AERONET calculator
  • Zoho WebNMS Cell Tower Manager

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $59,720

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.