What Does it Take to Be a Radio Mechanic?
Career 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
- Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
- Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
- Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
- 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.
- Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
- Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Radio Mechanic Should Know How to Do
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Radio Adjuster
- Voice and Radio Technician
- Subscriber Technician
- Radio Rigger
- Field Radio Technician
What Kind of Radio Mechanic Job Opportunities Are There?
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 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.
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
Becoming a Radio Mechanic
What education or degrees do I need to become a Radio Mechanic?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Radio Mechanics Work?
Radio Mechanics work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Radio Mechanic might also be interested in the following careers:
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.