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Radio Operator

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What is a Radio Operator?

Job Description & Duties Receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.

Life As a Radio Operator

  • Communicate with receiving operators to exchange transmission instructions.
  • Examine and operate new equipment prior to installation to ensure that it performs properly.
  • Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests to ensure that operations standards are met.
  • Coordinate radio-related aspects of locating and contacting airplanes and ships that are missing or in distress.
  • Operate radio equipment to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations.
  • Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for activities such as flight testing and fire locations.

Things a Radio Operator Should Know How to Do

Radio Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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

  • Electronic Intelligence Operations Specialist
  • Aircraft Dispatcher
  • Radio Communication Coordinator
  • Radiotelephone Operator
  • Receiver

Is There Going to be Demand for Radio Operators?

There were about 900 jobs for Radio Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Radio Operator. There will be an estimated 100 positions for Radio Operator per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Radio Operator are Minnesota, Illinois, and Louisiana. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Ohio, or Louisiana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Radio Operator Make?

The salary for Radio Operators ranges between about $21,850 and $71,470 a year.

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Radio Operators who work in Missouri, Florida, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.

How much do Radio Operators make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Florida $52,930
Louisiana $35,210
Minnesota $53,080
Missouri $66,270
Ohio $42,280
Texas $36,620

What Tools & Technology do Radio Operators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radio Operators may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Database software

How to Become a Radio Operator

Learn what Radio Operator education requirements there are.

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

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Where Radio Operators Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Radio Operators work:

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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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