Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
SOC Code: 49-2021Also known as:
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)
Median Annual Salary
$64,190
+8.6% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs
What Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers 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.
💰 Salary
$64,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.6%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,700
Projected Employment (2034)
12,700
Related Careers
Electronics engineers, except computer
$127,590 •
+6.2% growth
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
$62,630 •
-4.2% growth
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
$71,300 •
-0.8% growth
Audiovisual equipment installers and repairers
$50,620 •
+6.6% growth
Telecommunications line installers and repairers
$70,500 •
-3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Repairing
Installation
Equipment Maintenance
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers:
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
290 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | 7 | B |
| 2 | Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver, CO | 3 | B |
| 3 | Lake Land College | Mattoon, IL | 9 | C+ |
| 4 | Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater | Clearwater, FL | 9 | C+ |
| 5 | Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 8 | C+ |
| 6 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta, GA | 2 | C+ |
| 7 | Northwood Technical College | Rice Lake, WI | 1 | C+ |
| 8 | Perry Technical Institute | Yakima, WA | 31 | C |
| 9 | Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood, PA | 4 | C |
| 10 | Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester, MA | 4 | C |
| 11 | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston, GA | 3 | C |
| 12 | Pinnacle Career Institute | Kansas City, MO | 146 | D |
| 13 | Fortis Institute-Wayne | Wayne, NJ | 37 | D |
| 14 | Fortis Institute-Lawrenceville | Lawrenceville, NJ | 26 | F |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers make?
The median annual salary for radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is $64,190.
What education do radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers need?
Most radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician.
Is becoming radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers a good career choice?
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is projected to see +8.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
Top colleges for aspiring radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers include
Eastern Florida State College, Emily Griffith Technical College, Lake Land College, Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater, Des Moines Area Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers may also be known as: 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), Field Technician (Field Tech), Installation Technician (Installation Tech), Installer, Land Mobile Radio Technician, Maintenance and Condition Assessment Foreman.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.