What Does it Take to Be a Radio Mechanic?
Radio Mechanic Job 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: What Do They Do?
- Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
- Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
- Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
- Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
- Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
- Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
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Things a Radio Mechanic Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Radio Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Radio Electrician
- Field Radio Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Radio Repairer
- Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)
Is There Going to be Demand for Radio Mechanics?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 14,500 jobs in the United States for Radio Mechanic. 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Radio Mechanic
Radio Mechanics make between $31,520 and $86,350 a year.

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 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
How do I Become a Radio Mechanic?
What kind of Radio Mechanic requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Radio Mechanics Sector

Radio Mechanics work in the following industries:

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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