Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 14,100 people employed as radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers in the United States. The median annual salary is $60,360. Entry level employees earn approximately $36,900 per year and senior employees earn approximately $97,210 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
• Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
• Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
• Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.
• Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
• Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
• Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
• Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
• Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
• 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.
• Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
• Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
• Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
• Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.
• Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
• Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
• Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
• Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.

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