Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-2021
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
• Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
• Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
• Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, AERONET calculator, Adjustable hand wrenches, Alignment tools, All-purpose snips, Analog ohmmeters

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
• Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Avionics Technicians
• Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.