How to become a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer

Official title: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Also called: Communications Systems Technician, Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech), Field Technician (Field Tech), Installation Technician (Installation Tech), Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech), Radio Repairman, Radio Technician (Radio Tech), Tower Technician (Tower Tech), Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)

Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.

Main tasks

• Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
• Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
• Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
• Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
• Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
• Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
• Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
• Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.

How to become one

Telecommunications technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate or associate's degree. These workers also receive on-the-job training.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Electrician, Radio.
• Apprenticeship: Radio Mechanic (Any Ind).
• Apprenticeship: Telecommunication Tower Technician.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $63,520 a year The middle half earn $50,580 to $82,370.
• About 11,300 people work in this job now, and about 11,400 are projected by 2035. (+1.2%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
• Avionics Technicians
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer?

Telecommunications technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate or associate's degree. These workers also receive on-the-job training.

How much does a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $63,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $50,580 to $82,370.

Is a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 11,300 people now and 11,400 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer?

Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Electrician, Radio.

Will AI change the work of a Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer or Repairer?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.