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.
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
SOC: 49-2021 O*NET: 49-2021.00
Median Salary
$63,520
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,460
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,580
25th percentile
Median
$63,520
50th percentile
Experienced
$82,370
75th percentile
Top Earners
$103,990
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,460
25th
$50,580
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$63,520
Mean: $69,870
75th
$82,370
90th
$103,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $59,530 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,580 and $82,370
- •Salary spread is 50.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 11,140 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:11,300
Top Industries
Information25.9%
Telecommunications25.6%
Construction24.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.2%
Annual Openings:1,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)11,300
Current
2035 (Projected)11,400
+1.2%
+100
Employment Change
+1.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 43 locations
California
1,030 jobs$62,8400.79x
Texas
830 jobs$77,9100.82x
Illinois
780 jobs$61,1101.79x
Virginia
660 jobs$67,7902.23x
New Jersey
590 jobs$75,9301.92x
Colorado
530 jobs$56,1102.59x
Florida
520 jobs$60,1400.73x
New York
420 jobs$81,0700.61x
Michigan
410 jobs$64,1301.31x
Maryland
370 jobs$100,8001.89x
Ohio
370 jobs$72,1600.94x
Tennessee
330 jobs$49,1401.39x
Oregon
320 jobs$61,0202.28x
Indiana
280 jobs$60,8401.22x
North Carolina
280 jobs$47,0400.79x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Computers and Electronics
100%
#2
Repairing
100%
#3
Near Vision
100%
#4
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#5
Telecommunications
94%
#6
Problem Sensitivity
92%
#7
Customer and Personal Service
86%
#8
Installation
86%
#9
Information Ordering
82%
#10
Mechanical
80%
Skills Overview
Computers and Electronics
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Telecommunications
advanced4.7
94%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced4.6
92%
Customer and Personal Service
intermediate4.3
86%
Installation
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Computers and Electronics
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Telecommunications
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Installation
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Information Ordering
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles67%
5 shared skills
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks60%
5 shared skills
Automotive Body and Related Repairers58%
5 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators58%
5 shared skills
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic58%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Telecommunications
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mechanical
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Time Management
- →Engineering and Technology
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Telecommunications
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mechanical
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Telecommunications
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Mechanical
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Operations & Execution (3)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.55
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.50
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.35
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.14
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.11
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.08
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Integrity
4.3
Cooperation
4.1
Initiative
4.1
Self-Control
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Independence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 55 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 7 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: NJ (8) , TN (7) , PR (6) , FL (4) , TX (4)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
3.3k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.9k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
2.4k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.9k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.3k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
1.0k program completions/year
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