Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
SOC Code: 49-2021
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,190 and +8.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 11,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 28% AI exposure, Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers sits 9 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 23% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers has ai exposure of 28%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers (SOC 49-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 11,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,190, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
- 2. Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
- 3. Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
- 4. Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
- 5. Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
- 6. Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
- 7. Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
- 8. Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
- 9. Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.
- 10. Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Installation
- Equipment Maintenance
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers has an AI exposure score of 28%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is projected to grow by 8.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 11,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
Key skills for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers include Repairing, Installation, Equipment Maintenance, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers earn?
The median annual wage for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is $64,190, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
The typical entry-level education for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers?
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).