Summary Report for:
49-2021.00 - Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and 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 see: Radio Mechanics
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings
Tasks
- Assemble or erect communications towers, using construction or rigging equipment.
- Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
- Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
- Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
- 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.
- Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
- Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
- Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
- Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment such as gin poles.
- Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Frequency analyzers — Antenna analyzers; Digital spectrum analyzers; Radio frequency RF monitors; Signal probe kits |
| Network analyzers — In-line modular adapters; Scalar network analyzers; Vector network analyzers |
| Screwdrivers — Double ended screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers; Phone outlet testers; Straight screwdrivers |
| Slip or groove joint pliers — Groove-joint pliers; Ignition pliers; Slip joint pliers |
| Stripping tools — Coaxial cable stripping tools; Wire strippers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — AERONET calculator *; Sweep analysis software; Zoho WebNMS Cell Tower Manager |
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Facilities management software — Maintenance documentation software |
| Map creation software — Caliper Maptitude; Location mapping software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Work Values
| 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. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
| Median wages (2012) | $21.11 hourly, $43,900 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 10,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Much faster than average (29% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 4,500 |
| Top industries (2010) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
