Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
49-2021.00

Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    Moderate· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.000

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.24

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

30 rated tasks · 4 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (13.3%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupations 49-2021.00 Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers; 49-2021.01 Radio Mechanics, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk

Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.

49-2021.01

0.003746.8—0
Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.

49-2021.01

0.002734.2—0
Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.

49-2021.00

0.001519.00.004065.6
Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
—00.002134.4
Not observed on any surface — 28 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
—0—0
Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
—0—0
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.
—0—0
Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
—0—0
Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
—0—0
Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
—0—0
Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
—0—0
Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.
—0—0
Assemble or erect communications towers, using construction or rigging equipment.
—0—0
Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
—0—0
Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
—0—0
Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
—0—0
Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment such as gin poles.
—0—0
Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
—0—0
Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
—0—0
Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.
—0—0
Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
—0—0
Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference, and signal delay, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, and wattmeters.
—0—0
Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
—0—0
Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
—0—0
Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
—0—0
Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.
—0—0
Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
—0—0
Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
—0—0
Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
—0—0
Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
—0—0
Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.
—0—0
Clean and lubricate motor generators.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.Core
Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.Core
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.Core
Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).Core
Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.Core
Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.Core
Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.Core
Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.Core
Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.Core
Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.Core
Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.Core
Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.Core
Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.Supplemental
Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.Supplemental
Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.Supplemental
Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.Supplemental
Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.Supplemental
Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.Supplemental
Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.—
Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.—
Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.—
Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.—
Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.—
Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.—
Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.—
Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.—
Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.—
Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.—
Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference, and signal delay, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, and wattmeters.—
Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.—

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
11K
Projected employment, 2035
11K
Change (2025–35)
+1.2%
Median annual wage, 2025
$63,520
Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
77211방송장비 설치 및 수리원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
77221통신장비 설치 및 수리원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
77222기지국 설치 및 수리원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
77212위성방송 안테나 설치 및 수리원Related, not a matchconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 7422Information and Communications Technology Installers and Servicers

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • telecommunications technicianESCO 7422.7This occupation is narrower

    Telecommunications technicians install, test, maintain and troubleshoot telecommunications systems. They repair or replace defective devices and equipment and maintain a safe working environment and a complete inventory of supplies. They also provide user or customer assistance.

  • communication infrastructure maintainerESCO 7422.1This occupation is broader

    Communication infrastructure maintainers install, repair, run and maintain infrastructure for communication systems.

  • mobile phone repair technicianESCO 7422.3.1This occupation is broader

    Mobile phone repair technicians run tests to assess the mobile phones' functionality, install and update phone software, troubleshoot wiring problems, and replace damaged parts and components such as batteries, LCD screens, keypads, buttons. They also advise their clients on warranty issues and recommend products based on their expertise.

  • radio technicianESCO 7422.4This occupation is broader

    Radio technicians install, adjust, test, maintain, and repair mobile or stationary radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communications systems. They also monitor their performance and determine causes of faults.

  • telecommunications engineerESCO 2153.1This occupation is broader

    Telecommunications engineers design, build, test and maintain telecommunication systems and networks, including radio and broadcasting equipment. \ They analyse customer needs and requirements, ensure that the equipment meets regulations, and prepare and present reports and proposals on telecommunication-related problems. Telecommunications engineers design and oversee the service delivery in all it's phases, supervising the installation and use of telecommunications equipment and facilities, preparing documentation and providing training for company staff once new equipment has been installed.

  • telecommunications engineering technicianESCO 3522.1This occupation is broader

    Telecommunications engineering technician deploy, maintain and monitor a telecommunication system that provides interactions between data and voice communications, such as telephone, video conferencing, computer, and voicemail systems. They are also involved in the design, manufacturing, construction, maintenance and repair of telecommunication systems. Telecommunications engineering technicians provide technical assistance in the research and development of telecommunication equipment.

  • telecommunications equipment maintainerESCO 7422.6This occupation is broader

    Telecommunications equipment maintainers repair, install or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems (cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles). They also focus on communication towers, antennas, amplifiers and connectors. They may test and analyse network coverage.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
F1623Monteur / Monteuse installation réseaux mobilesOverlapping, not the sameprovisional
I1312Technicien / Technicienne réseaux mobilesOverlapping, not the sameprovisional
I1319Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance réseaux mobilesOverlapping, not the sameprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
7533Instaladores y reparadores en tecnologías de la información y las comunicacionesThis occupation is narrowerprovisional
3833Técnicos de ingeniería de las telecomunicacionesRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
26312Berufe in der Informations- und Telekommunikationstechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenThis occupation is narrower
51183Berufe im technischen Betrieb des Eisenbahn-, Luft- und Schiffsverkehrs (sonstige spezifische Tätigkeitsangabe) - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
674電気通信設備工事従事者This occupation is narrowerprovisional
552電気機械器具整備・修理従事者Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources