Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

SOC code 49-2021 · O*NET-SOC 49-2021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$63,520

a year

Hourly

$30.54

per hour

10th$44,460Median$63,52090th$103,990

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$69,870

$33.59 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,580 – $82,370

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,460 – $103,990

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,140

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,460; $21.38/hr
25th percentile: $50,580; $24.32/hr
Median percentile: $63,520; $30.54/hr
75th percentile: $82,370; $39.60/hr
90th percentile: $103,990; $49.99/hr

What do radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
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.
Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 31% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31%
Post-Secondary Certificate22%
Some College Courses18%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%

Common questions

How much does a radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers earn?

The national median is $63,520 a year. The full range runs from $44,460 at the 10th percentile to $103,990 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Active Listening3.3/5
Speaking3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.1/5
Telecommunications3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
English Language3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Repairing, Installation, Equipment Maintenance, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis.