Occupation Summary

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

O*NET 49-2021.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$63,410.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 10.06%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

  1. Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
  2. Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
  3. Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
  4. 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.
  5. Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
  6. Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
  7. Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
  8. Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.
  9. Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
  10. Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
  11. Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
  12. Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
  13. Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
  14. Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
  15. Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
  16. Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.
  17. Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.
  18. Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
  19. Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
  20. Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
  21. Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
  22. Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
  23. Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.
  24. Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
  25. Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
  26. Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
  27. Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
  28. Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
  29. 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.
  30. Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers employed Annual Growth Rate
Utility system construction 12 1.73
Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance 10.9 0.00
Electronics and appliance retailers 7.8 -2.21
Building equipment contractors 5.4 1.34


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $30.49
2024 National average hourly wage $33.26
2022 National employment 13,500
2022 Texas employment 1,183
Texas projected employment by 2032 1,302
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 136




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
81.60%
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
78.20%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
77.60%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
67.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
65.20%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
64.20%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
64.00%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
63.00%
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
60.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
60.40%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
70.00%
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
67.60%
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
67.60%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
65.00%
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.
65.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
65.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.40%
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
62.40%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
67.60%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
67.60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
67.60%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
65.00%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
65.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.00%
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
65.00%
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
62.40%


  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Pump pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable hand wrenches;

Ammeters: Clamp ammeters; Bench ammeters; Digital ammeters; Volt-ammeters;

Articulating boom lift: Bucket trucks;

Backhoes: Backhoes;

Ball peen hammer: Ball peen hammers;

Bench scales: Bench scales;

Cement pumping units: Concrete pumpers;

Circuit tester: Circuit analyzers;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Concrete mixers or plants: Concrete mixers;

Desoldering pump: Desolder pumps;

Diagonal cut pliers: Diagonal cutting pliers; Diagonal-cutting pliers;

Digital cameras: Digital cameras;

Electrical frequency meters: Frequency meters;

Electrical power sensors: Cable locators;

Electrician kits: Alignment tools;

End cut pliers: Side cutting pliers; Spring-loaded side cutters;

Fall protection lanyard: Safety lanyards;

Fish tape: Probe pick spudgers;

Flatbed trailers: Equipment trailers;

Forklifts: Forklifts;

Frequency analyzers: Digital spectrum analyzers; Antenna analyzers; Radio frequency RF monitors; Signal probe kits;

Frequency counters or timer or dividers: Frequency counters;

Geological compasses: Directional compasses;

GFI circuit testers: Receptacle testers;

Gin pole and accessories: Gin poles;

Goggles: Safety goggles;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hand reamer: Hand reamers;

Hex keys: Hex key sets; L-wrench sets;

Hydraulic hand crimp tool: Hydraulic wire crimpers;

Impedance meters: Return loss measuring equipment;

Inspection mirror: Inspection mirrors;

Insulation resistance meters: Insulation resistance testers;

Integrated circuit testers: Component test sets;

Ladders: Extension ladders;

Level meter: Sweep testing tools; Distortion meters;

Levels: Torpedo levels;

Light trucks or sport utility vehicles: Utility trucks;

Linemans pliers: Insulated pliers;

Locking pliers: Vise grip pliers; Locking jaw pliers;

Longnose pliers: Long nose electrical pliers; Longnosed pliers; Heavy duty longnose pliers;

Magnetic tools: Magnetic pickup tools;

Manlift or personnel lift: Electric manlifts;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Modulation meters: Modulation meters;

Multimeters: Digital multimeters; Multifunction digital multimeters;

Network analyzers: In-line modular adapters; Scalar network analyzers; Vector network analyzers;

Nibblers: Nibbling tools;

Nut drivers: Nut wrenches; Insulated nutdrivers;

Ohmmeters: Digital ohmmeters; Analog ohmmeters;

Oscilloscopes: Digital oscilloscopes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Plumb bobs: Plumb lines;

Potentiometers: Trimming potentiometers;

Power drills: Power drillls;

Power meters: Directional radio frequency RF power meters;

Power saws: Chain saws;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Punchdown tools; Screw starters;

Radio equipment tester: Radio signal testers;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses;

Safety harnesses or belts: Full body harnesses; Fall arrest systems;

Screwdrivers: Conduit-fitting and reaming screwdrivers; Cabinet-tip screwdrivers; Double ended screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers; Phone outlet testers; Keystone-tip screwdrivers; Square-recess tip screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers;

Slings: Rigging equipment; Lifting slings;

Slip or groove joint pliers: Slip joint pliers; Ignition pliers; Groove-joint pliers;

Socket sets: Antenna socket sets;

Soldering iron: Butane soldering irons; Cordless soldering irons; Electric soldering irons;

Specialty wrenches: Double end socket can wrenches;

Stripping tools: Wire strippers; Coaxial cable stripping tools;

Tablet computers: Tablet computers;

Tape measures: Measuring tapes;

Tension testers: Guy wire tension gauges;

Tinners snips: All-purpose snips;

Tweezers: Curved tweezers;

Utility knives: Electricians' knives; Utility knives;

Voltage or current meters: Voltmeters; Neon voltage testers; LED voltage testers; Series solenoid voltage testers; Bench voltmeters; Clamp voltmeters; Coaxial cable testers;

Wattmeters: Watt meters; Wattmeters;

Winches: Cable winches;

Wire cutters: Electricians' scissors; Insulated wire cutters;

Wire lug crimping tool: Wire crimpers;

Wire or cable cutter: Cable cutters; Round cable cutters;

Wire wrapping tool: Wire wrap guns;

Workshop cranes: Hydraulic cranes;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: AERONET calculator; Sweep analysis software; Zoho WebNMS Cell Tower Manager;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Facilities management software: Computerized maintenance management system CMMS; Maintenance documentation software;

Geographic information system: Caliper Maptitude;

Map creation software: Location mapping software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Project management software: Microsoft Project;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Web platform development software: Backbone.js;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers include:
  • 49-2097.00 Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
  • 49-2091.00 Avionics Technicians
  • 17-3023.00 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 49-2093.00 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • 49-2094.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • 49-2096.00 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
  • 51-8012.00 Power Distributors and Dispatchers
  • 17-2072.01 Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
  • 49-2022.00 Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
  • 49-9052.00 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Contact Texas Workforce Commission
Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.