What You Need to Know About Radio Operator

Job Description & Duties Receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.

A Day in the Life of a Radio Operator

• Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for activities such as flight testing and fire locations.
• Monitor emergency frequencies to detect distress calls and respond by dispatching emergency equipment.
• Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests to ensure that operations standards are met.
• Communicate with receiving operators to exchange transmission instructions.
• Examine and operate new equipment prior to installation to ensure that it performs properly.
• Set up antennas and mobile communication units during military field exercises.

What Every Radio Operator Should Know

These are the skills Radio Operators say are the most useful in their careers:

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Radio Operator

• Radiotelegraph Operator
• Radiotelegrapher
• Radio Dispatch Operator
• Field Radio Operator
• Continuous Wave Operator (CW Operator)

Job Demand for Radio Operators

There were about 900 jobs for Radio Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Radio Operator. There will be an estimated 100 positions for Radio Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Radio Operator are Minnesota, Illinois, and Louisiana. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Ohio, or Louisiana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Radio Operator

The average yearly salary of a Radio Operator ranges between $21,850 and $71,470.

Radio Operators who work in Missouri, Florida, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.

How much do Radio Operators make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Florida	$52,930
Louisiana	$35,210
Minnesota	$53,080
Missouri	$66,270
Ohio	$42,280
Texas	$36,620

What Tools & Technology do Radio Operators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radio Operators may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Web browser software
• Email software
• Database software

How do I Become a Radio Operator?

Are there Radio Operators education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Radio Operators?

Below are examples of industries where Radio Operators work:

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.