Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Radio Mechanics
Employment is projected to decline. Job opportunities will vary by specialty; for example, good opportunities should be available for central office and PBX installers and repairers experienced in current technology, while station installers and repairers can expect keen competition. Applicants with computer skills and postsecondary electronics training should have the best opportunities. Weekend and holiday hours are common; repairers may be on call around the clock in case of emergencies.
On average, Radio Mechanics earn $ 18.12 per hour.
Job Opportunities for Skilled Trade Careers are
expected to:
Increase much slower than the average.
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology
Broadcast Technicians
Civil Engineering Technicians
Telephones, computers, and radios depend on a variety of equipment to transmit communications signals and connect to the Internet. From electronic and optical switches that route telephone calls and packets of data to their destinations to radio transmitters and receivers that relay signals from radios in airplanes, boats, and emergency vehicles, complex equipment is needed to keep us communicating. The workers who set up and maintain this sophisticated equipment are called radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers.
As telecommunications technology becomes more complex, the education required for radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairer jobs has increased. Most employers prefer applicants with postsecondary training in electronics and familiarity with computers. The education needed for these jobs may vary from a certification to work on certain equipment to a 2- or 4-year degree in electronics or a related subject.
Radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers held about 205,000 jobs in 2006. About 198,000 were telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers. The remaining 6,500 were radio mechanics.
