How To Become A Transmitter Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a transmitter engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a transmitter engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $47.43 an hour? That's $98,650 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 9,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a transmitter engineer?

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

Associate Dean of Engineering, Fairfield University

Graduates need to be flexible and open to taking on new projects, exploring new industries, perhaps non-traditional areas where they see growth, while building and maintaining their networking relationships. Go where the demand is for the role you seek. I hate to use a cliche, but remember that your engineering career is a journey that may take you in many directions. Be open to change.

A professional in any field must continue to learn. Your engineering degree gave you the necessary tools. You must engage in lifelong learning to increase your knowledge and improve your skills and competencies to set yourself apart.

ScoreTransmitter EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $98,650

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 15.68%

Black or African American 3.72%

Hispanic or Latino 7.66%

Unknown 4.48%

White 68.27%

Gender

female 3.70%

male 96.30%

Age - 44

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 - 44

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a transmitter engineer

Explore transmitter engineer education requirements

Most common transmitter engineer degrees

Bachelor's

42.9 %

Diploma

21.4 %

Associate

21.4 %

Start to develop specific transmitter engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
RF	38.87%
Transmitters	19.44%
FM	12.17%
Analog	9.48%
FCC	8.61%

Complete relevant transmitter engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New transmitter engineers 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 transmitter engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real transmitter engineer resumes.

Research transmitter engineer duties and responsibilities

Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
Maintain high power UHF transmitter and ensure video and audio quality throughout paths to transmitter.
Perform FCC proof of performances.
Locate and repair multiple issues to restore/enhance the overall performance of the transmitters.

Apply for transmitter engineer jobs

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

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