How To Become A Radio Frequency Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a radio frequency technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Radio frequency technicians, sometimes called radio mechanics, are responsible for installing and maintaining radio frequency systems. They help install, test, maintain, and upgrade radio frequency systems like cellular phone antennas, amplifiers, two-way radios, satellite systems, and Internet access points. They also assemble systems, test signal strength, maintain records, troubleshoot technical problems, and instruct customers on the proper equipment use.

A radio technician's work requires them to drive to specific client locations, and they must be comfortable with heights. Because they often work on towers and the like, radio frequency technicians are prone to injuries associated with heights and electricity. They work closely with electricity, and they use a range of tools that might pose danger to complete their tasks. They work full-time and might be required to work at odd hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.

ScoreRadio Frequency TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,568

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.9

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 6.30%

Black or African American 10.64%

Hispanic or Latino 18.52%

Unknown 4.77%

White 59.14%

Gender

female 8.18%

male 91.82%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a radio frequency technician

Explore radio frequency technician education requirements

Most common radio frequency technician degrees

Associate

48.6 %

Bachelor's

31.8 %

High School Diploma

7.7 %

Start to develop specific radio frequency technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Test Equipment	10.78%
Troubleshoot	10.39%
Power Meters	5.43%
RF Gun	4.50%
Microwave	4.50%

Complete relevant radio frequency technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New radio frequency technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a radio frequency technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real radio frequency technician resumes.

Gain additional radio frequency technician certifications

Radio frequency technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific radio frequency technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for radio frequency technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer.

More About Certifications

Research radio frequency technician duties and responsibilities

Install, configure, upgrade, and manage Cisco routers and switches daily.
Process improvement efforts and/or other opportunities to automate these processes with computer applications with C++ and/or Java where applicable.
Install Nortel CDMA equipment throughout Kansas.
Maintain and repair Nortel TDMA equipment.

Prepare your radio frequency technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your radio frequency technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a radio frequency technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable radio frequency technician resume templates

Build a professional radio frequency technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your radio frequency technician resume.