What is a Radio Mechanic?
Occupation Description Test or repair mobile or stationary radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communications systems used in ship-to-shore communications and found in service and emergency vehicles.
Life As a Radio Mechanic
- Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
- Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
- Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
- Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
- Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
- Clean and lubricate motor generators.
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Qualities of a Radio Mechanic
These are the skills Radio Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Radio Mechanic
- Radio Frequency Technician (RF Technician)
- Broadcasting Equipment Mechanic
- Field Technician
- Two-Way Radio Installer
- Radio Repairman
Are There Job Opportunities for Radio Mechanics?
There were about 14,500 jobs for Radio Mechanic in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 800 new jobs for Radio Mechanic by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Radio Mechanic are Nevada, Utah, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, North Dakota, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Radio Mechanics Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Radio Mechanics is somewhere between $31,520 and $86,350.
Radio Mechanics who work in Pennsylvania, Alaska, or Tennessee, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Radio Mechanics in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,690 |
| Alaska | $78,090 |
| Arizona | $51,690 |
| California | $55,150 |
| Colorado | $54,470 |
| Connecticut | $65,140 |
| Delaware | $48,650 |
| Florida | $54,880 |
| Georgia | $64,430 |
| Hawaii | $54,630 |
| Illinois | $52,440 |
| Indiana | $54,390 |
| Kansas | $59,280 |
| Kentucky | $46,830 |
| Louisiana | $48,300 |
| Maine | $46,500 |
| Maryland | $59,600 |
| Massachusetts | $56,630 |
| Michigan | $54,620 |
| Minnesota | $65,530 |
| Mississippi | $51,890 |
| Missouri | $44,310 |
| Montana | $51,950 |
| Nebraska | $51,100 |
| Nevada | $54,710 |
| New Hampshire | $50,410 |
| New Jersey | $66,310 |
| New Mexico | $57,710 |
| New York | $60,380 |
| North Carolina | $51,460 |
| North Dakota | $46,170 |
| Ohio | $56,950 |
| Oklahoma | $47,730 |
| Oregon | $58,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,330 |
| South Carolina | $47,560 |
| Tennessee | $70,720 |
| Texas | $47,480 |
| Utah | $64,040 |
| Vermont | $59,510 |
| Virginia | $54,300 |
| Washington | $70,390 |
| Wisconsin | $59,860 |
| Wyoming | $56,580 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Radio Mechanics
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radio Mechanics may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Becoming a Radio Mechanic
What kind of Radio Mechanic requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Radio Mechanic?
Where Radio Mechanics Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Radio Mechanics employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Radio Mechanic may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Radio Mechanic in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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