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.
A Day in the Life of a Radio Mechanic
- Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
- Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
- Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.
- Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
- Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
- Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
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Skills Needed to be a Radio Mechanic
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.
Related Job Titles
- Radio Repairer
- Radio Maintainer
- Field Service Technician
- Radio Repairman
- Microwave Radio Technician
Radio Mechanic Job Outlook
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.
Radio Mechanic Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Radio Mechanic ranges 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 |
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 do I Become a Radio Mechanic?
What education is needed to be a Radio Mechanic?
How Long Does it Take 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:
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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