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What Does it Take to Be a Radio Mechanic?
Example of Radio Mechanic Job 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.
Radio Mechanic Responsibilities
- Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference, and signal delay, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, and wattmeters.
- Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
- 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.
- Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.
- Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
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Radio Mechanic Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Radio Maintainer
- Radio Rigger
- Mobile Radio Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Land Mobile Radio Technician
Is There Going to be Demand for Radio Mechanics?
In the United States, there were 14,500 jobs for Radio Mechanic in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 1,600 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Radio Mechanic Average Salary
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Radio Mechanics Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radio Mechanics:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Becoming a Radio Mechanic
Education needed to be a Radio Mechanic:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Radio Mechanics Work?
Below are examples of industries where Radio Mechanics work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Radio Mechanic might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Radio Mechanic sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.