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
$64,190
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.6%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.2
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
$42,360
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,610
25th percentile
Median
$64,190
50th percentile
Experienced
$84,770
75th percentile
Top Earners
$102,550
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$42,360
25th
$50,610
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,190
Mean: $69,180
75th
$84,770
90th
$102,550
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $60,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,610 and $84,770
- •Salary spread is 53.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 11,400 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:11,700
Top Industries
Information30.5%
Telecommunications29.5%
Construction19.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.6%
Annual Openings:1,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)11,700
Current
2034 (Projected)12,700
+8.6%
+1,000
Employment Change
+8.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster 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
860 jobs$79,3400.65x
Virginia
760 jobs$64,4002.53x
New Jersey
710 jobs$83,4202.25x
Florida
700 jobs$51,2600.97x
Texas
660 jobs$59,5000.65x
Colorado
480 jobs$57,7002.24x
Oregon
460 jobs$56,8603.13x
North Carolina
450 jobs$45,9701.24x
Ohio
410 jobs$68,6401.01x
Washington
400 jobs$74,1301.54x
Massachusetts
360 jobs$64,2101.32x
New York
330 jobs$103,0100.47x
Pennsylvania
310 jobs$101,4000.70x
Maryland
260 jobs$98,3601.27x
Georgia
240 jobs$67,0700.67x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#3
Installation
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Time Management
54%
#9
Operations Monitoring
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Installation
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Time Management
basic2.7
54%
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:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Installation
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Time Management
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Repairing
- ✓Installation
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Repairing
- ★Installation
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Speaking
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
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