Career: Telecommunications and Radio Technicians
We’re in closer contact than ever before, able to reach someone across the world with a single phone call -- even while walking down the street or driving a car.
Much of this is thanks to telecommunications and radio technicians, who keep the technologies that unite us running. Whether they set up a cutting-edge telephone system at a busy corporate office or repair a simple phone line at someone’s house, they are the ones who keep the world in touch.
Telecommunications and radio technicians install, repair, and maintain telephone and radio equipment, such as switches, routers, fiber-optic lines, and switchboards.
“A lot of my time on-site is spent talking to customers to find out what their needs are.”
Eric Pallin, Computer Telephony Integration Consultant
Are You Ready To...?
- Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations
- Use a network analyzer to detect distortion
- Work with other service technicians to install T-1 lines
- Train office managers on how to use their new phone systems
It Helps to Be...
Able to see differences in color and hear differences in tone. It also helps to be an independent worker who’s good with people.
Make High School Count
- Sign up for classes in electronics and computers.
- Work hard in math and science to prepare for college study.
- Build solid reading and speaking skills. You will be reading technical manuals and explaining complex systems to customers.
Did You Know?
- Many businesses are switching to voice-over Internet protocol systems, which carry telephone calls over the Internet.
Outlook
overnment economists expect there to be fewer jobs for telecommunications and radio technicians in 2014 than there were in 2004.
As equipment improves in quality, technicians won’t be needed as much to install new systems and repair older ones. In addition, traditional two-way radios are being increasingly replaced with wireless equipment. However, technicians who understand new technology, such as voice-over Internet protocol systems, should have more job opportunities.
Compensation
The average hourly wage in 2006 for telecommunications technicians was $24.33, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The average hourly wage for radio technicians was $19.17.
