Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Also called: Radio and Tower Equipment Repairers
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.
Also called: Avionics Repair Technician (Avionics Repair Tech), Broadcasting Equipment Mechanic, Cell Tower Technician (Cell Tower Tech), Cellular Equipment Installer (Cell Equipment Installer), Cellular Equipment Repairer (Cell Equipment Repairer), Cellular Tower Climber (Cell Tower Climber)
Median pay
$63,520
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,460 – $103,990
People employed
11,140
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (43 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers salary in every state →
What radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers do
- 01Inspect 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.
- 02Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
- 03Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
- 04Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
- 05Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
- 06Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers86% · +17%
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians79% · +23%
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers78% · +46%
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers77% · +73%
- Photonics Technicians77% · group pay
Change into radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers81% · $74,330
- Photonics Technicians77% · $78,350
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics76% · $50,620
- Medical Equipment Repairers76% · $61,660
- Broadcast Technicians75% · $59,570
Majors that lead here
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.