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What is a radio operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreRadio OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,107

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
0.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.71%

Asian 4.17%

Black or African American 14.18%

Hispanic or Latino 11.68%

Unknown 4.17%

White 65.08%

Gender

female 16.16%

male 83.84%

Age - 24.5
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 - 24.5
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Radio operator career paths

Key steps to become a radio operator

  1. Explore radio operator education requirements

    Most common radio operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    33.9 %

    Bachelor's

    33.9 %

    Associate

    21.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific radio operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Radio Communication Equipment26.04%
    Power Generators23.49%
    RF8.80%
    Combat3.66%
    VHF3.34%
  3. Complete relevant radio operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New radio operators 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 operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real radio operator resumes.
  4. Gain additional radio operator certifications

    Radio operator 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 operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for radio operators include Certified Radio Operator (CRO) and Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research radio operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage 39 asset ADPE account worth $22k.
    • Lead basic reconnaissance operations and report enemy movements to commanding officers.
    • Install, programme, and maintain mobile RF communications systems for single channel and voice/data communications systems.
    • Provide vhf and uhf communication between air and grind units.Responding to emergency medical evacuation.
  6. Prepare your radio operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your radio operator 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 operator 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 operator resume templates

    Build a professional radio operator 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 operator resume.
    Radio Operator Resume
    Radio Operator Resume
    Radio Operator Resume
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    Radio Operator Resume
    Radio Operator Resume
  7. Apply for radio operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a radio operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first radio operator job

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Average radio operator salary

The average radio operator salary in the United States is $48,107 per year or $23 per hour. Radio operator salaries range between $28,000 and $82,000 per year.

Average radio operator salary
$48,107 Yearly
$23.13 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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