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Radio Mechanic

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What Do Radio Mechanic Do?

Position 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

  • Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
  • Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
  • Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
  • Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
  • Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
  • Clean and lubricate motor generators.

Radio Mechanic Required Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Radio Mechanics say are important on the job.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Mobile Radio Technician
  • Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)
  • Radio Repairman
  • Radio Mechanic Apprentice
  • Radio Adjuster

Job Outlook 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.

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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.

Salary for a Radio Mechanic

The typical yearly salary for Radio Mechanics is somewhere between $31,520 and $86,350.

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Radio Mechanics who work in Pennsylvania, Alaska, or Tennessee, make the highest salaries.

How much do Radio Mechanics make 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 do Radio Mechanics Use?

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

How to Become a Radio Mechanic

What education or degrees do I need to become a Radio Mechanic?

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What work experience do I need to become a Radio Mechanic?

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Where do Radio Mechanics Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Radio Mechanics work:

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Radio Mechanic may also be interested in:

Those who work as a Radio Mechanic sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

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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