How To Become A Signal Support Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a signal support specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

This job involves performing signal support functions and technical assistance for computer systems, providing technical service for local area networks, and maintaining equipment, terminal devices, power generators, and vehicles.

To qualify for signal support systems specialist, applicants first need to complete ten weeks of basic combat training (also known as boot camp) and sixteen weeks of advanced individual training (AIT). They have to divide this time between the classroom and the field and receive the training.

During training, they will learn mechanical and electrical principles, preventive and maintenance procedures, communication security policies and procedures, and line installation and wiring techniques.

The typical signal support systems specialist salary is $35,871, but can range from $19,878 to $86,424. However, this figure can vary significantly per training and experience.

ScoreSignal Support SpecialistUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $49,385

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 10.55%

Black or African American 12.82%

Hispanic or Latino 14.93%

Unknown 5.29%

White 56.00%

Gender

female 19.49%

male 80.51%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a signal support specialist

Explore signal support specialist education requirements

Most common signal support specialist degrees

Bachelor's

34.8 %

High School Diploma

28.5 %

Associate

27.0 %

Start to develop specific signal support specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Provide Technical Assistance	33.78%
A+	20.73%
Electronic Equipment	10.35%
Technical Assistance	9.93%
Power Generators	5.04%

Complete relevant signal support specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New signal support specialists 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 signal support specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real signal support specialist resumes.

Gain additional signal support specialist certifications

Signal support specialist 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 signal support specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for signal support specialists include Security 5 Certification and Network 5 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research signal support specialist duties and responsibilities

Train, mentore, and lead a team of 75 soldiers on operating OE254 antennas, Motorola XTS and SINCGARS.
Manage COMSEC radio fills during COMSEC change and updates with ANCD, including providing updates to senior managers on sensitive items.
Manage project SharePoint site for the purpose of supporting ongoing collaboration
Provide training and user support for all applications to LAN users.

Prepare your signal support specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your signal support specialist 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 signal support specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable signal support specialist resume templates

Build a professional signal support specialist 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 signal support specialist resume.