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Radio technician vs communications technician

The differences between radio technicians and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $39,253 average annual salary of a radio technician.

The top three skills for a radio technician include RF, test equipment and electronic equipment. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Radio technician vs communications technician overview

Radio TechnicianCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$39,253$52,222
Hourly rate$18.87$25.11
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs27,419125,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience12-

What does a radio technician do?

Radiation therapy technicians are responsible for the administration of targeted radiation treatments to patients. They interact with patients on a regular basis and may combine physical tests with other therapy techniques. It will demand the skills of interpersonal communication, a background in radiology, a detail-oriented personality, and various technical skills.

What does a communications technician do?

A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.

Radio technician vs communications technician salary

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

Radio TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average salary$39,253$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CATualatin, OR
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyPacifi
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between radio technician and communications technician education

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

Radio TechnicianCommunications Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityStanford University

Radio technician vs communications technician demographics

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

Radio TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 92.6% Female, 7.4%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between radio technician and communications technician duties and responsibilities

Radio technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Install, maintain and upgrade PBX's of Nortel and other brands.
  • Wire the system cable, LMR cable, RF jumpers, power cable according to wiring schematics.
  • Work as move, add, and change technician on Nortel, GTE, and Fujitsu PBX's and station equipment.
  • Assemble pcb board, fiber optic and surface mount.
  • Consist of a complete replacement or overhaul of the previous LMR system.
  • Show more

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Radio technician vs communications technician skills

Common radio technician skills
  • RF, 11%
  • Test Equipment, 6%
  • Electronic Equipment, 5%
  • Radio Systems, 4%
  • Two-Way Radio, 4%
  • Two Way Radios, 4%
Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%

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