Life As a Radio Mechanic
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.
Radio Mechanic Responsibilities
- Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
- 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.
- Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
- 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 batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
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Skills Needed to be a Radio Mechanic
When polled, Radio Mechanics say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Radio Mechanic Jobs
- Radio Service Programmer
- Land Mobile Radio Technician
- Radio Repairman
- Radio Technician (Radio Tech)
- Radio Machinist
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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Radio Mechanic
The salary for Radio Mechanics ranges between about $31,520 and $86,350 a year.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Radio Mechanics
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 to Become a Radio Mechanic
What education or degrees do I need to become a Radio Mechanic?
What work experience do I need to become a Radio Mechanic?
Where do Radio Mechanics Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related 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
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