Radio operator vs flight communications specialist

The differences between radio operators and flight communications specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a flight communications specialist has an average salary of $49,414, which is higher than the $48,107 average annual salary of a radio operator.

The top three skills for a radio operator include radio communication equipment, power generators and RF. The most important skills for a flight communications specialist are FAA, emergency operations, and in-flight.

Radio operator vs flight communications specialist overview

	Radio Operator	Flight Communications Specialist
Yearly salary	$48,107	$49,414
Hourly rate	$23.13	$23.76
Growth rate	-	1%
Number of jobs	27,985	16,644
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	30	30
Years of experience	-	-

Radio operator vs flight communications specialist salary

Radio operators and flight communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Radio Operator	Flight Communications Specialist
Average salary	$48,107	$49,414
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $82,000	Between $25,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between radio operator and flight communications specialist education

There are a few differences between a radio operator and a flight communications specialist in terms of educational background:

	Radio Operator	Flight Communications Specialist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Business	Medical Technician
Most common college	-	-

Radio operator vs flight communications specialist demographics

Here are the differences between radio operators' and flight communications specialists' demographics:

	Radio Operator	Flight Communications Specialist
Average age	30	30
Gender ratio	Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%	Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	19%	19%

Differences between radio operator and flight communications specialist duties and responsibilities

Radio operator example 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.
Monitor units' positions in Iraq using GPS.
Maintain and repair UHF Radio/Phone systems in the field.

Flight communications specialist example responsibilities.

Manage 39 asset ADPE account worth $22k.
Monitor security surveillance at BDOC and TASS as well as dispatched units and run safety drills.
Dispatch emergent and non emergent ambulances to specific locations.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of joint service CSAR tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Manage 39 asset ADPE account worth $22k.

Radio operator vs flight communications specialist skills

Common radio operator skills

Radio Communication Equipment, 26%
Power Generators, 23%
RF, 9%
Combat, 4%
VHF, 3%
Communications Systems, 3%

Common flight communications specialist skills

FAA, 15%
Emergency Operations, 13%
In-Flight, 13%
Flight Operations, 12%
EMS, 9%
CAD, 8%

Radio Operator vs. similar jobs

Radio Operator related careers

Radio Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Operator responsibilities

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Radio Operator
Radio Operator vs Flight Communications Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs