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Radio frequency technician vs technician

The differences between radio frequency technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a radio frequency technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radio frequency technician has an average salary of $47,568, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a radio frequency technician include test equipment, troubleshoot and power meters. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Radio frequency technician vs technician overview

Radio Frequency TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$47,568$38,045
Hourly rate$22.87$18.29
Growth rate8%1%
Number of jobs3,626596,842
Job satisfaction32
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4540
Years of experience42

What does a radio frequency technician do?

A radio frequency technician specializes in installing and repairing wireless communication systems. In a company setting, their responsibilities include coordinating with staff to identify needs, assessing existing facilities to learn its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions on problem areas, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting corrective measures, and adjustments as needed. They may also develop upgrades on systems to optimize procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Furthermore, as a radio frequency technician, it is essential to provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Radio frequency technician vs technician salary

Radio frequency technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Radio Frequency TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$47,568$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $66,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyMetaMicrosoft
Best paying industryManufacturingTelecommunication

Differences between radio frequency technician and technician education

There are a few differences between a radio frequency technician and a technician in terms of educational background:

Radio Frequency TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon-

Radio frequency technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between radio frequency technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Radio Frequency TechnicianTechnician
Average age4540
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.3% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%2%

Differences between radio frequency technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Radio frequency technician example 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.
  • Install and maintain GSM and UMTS equipment.
  • Repair stocked or customer-own Motorola, Samsung, Nokia and other cellular brand equipment.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Radio frequency technician vs technician skills

Common radio frequency technician skills
  • Test Equipment, 11%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Power Meters, 5%
  • RF Gun, 5%
  • Microwave, 5%
  • Test Procedures, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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