Communications Equipment Mechanics

At a Glance

Work with switches, switchboards, cable, radio, and other equipment
May work at customers' homes or businesses
Work both indoors and outdoors
Sometimes climb poles and towers
May work nights, weekends, and holidays
Most have a certificate or associate degree in electronics

Career summary

Communications equipment mechanics set up and maintain equipment that transmits signals to carry information.

Depending on their job duties, communications equipment mechanics may also be called telecommunications technicians or telephone installers and repairers. More specific job titles include central office technicians, PBX installers or repairers, station installers and repairers, or radio mechanics.

#Some titles from 3166 rest from NWOIS narrative

# review 3/25/19 lh

Communications equipment mechanics do many tasks, often depending on their specialization and where they work. The following are specific types of mechanics.

Central office technicians

Central office technicians set up and maintain switches, cables, and other equipment. They work in central offices of telephone networks and Internet connections. New switches are self-monitoring and they alert repairers to malfunctions. Some switches allow repairers to diagnose and fix central office problems from a remote location.

PBX installers and repairers

PBX installers set up private branch exchange (PBX) switchboards. PBXs relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls.

Installers set up equipment and connect it to power lines. They install frames and supports. They also install power systems, alarms, and phone sets. They test the connections to be sure there is enough power. They run tests to verify that the new equipment works properly.

PBX repairers figure out if the problem is in the PBX system or in the phone lines. They use small hand tools such as pliers or screwdrivers to fix equipment. They replace defective components such as fuses or wiring.

Radio mechanics

Radio mechanics install and maintain equipment that transmits and receives radio waves. Equipment is either on radio towers or in mobile units. Mechanics check equipment for faulty components or loose or broken wires. They use hand tools and electrical measuring devices to test radio functions.

Station installers and repairers

Station installers and repairers work at customers' homes or businesses. They install phone, Internet, and cable television services. They often set up modems and other computer hardware and software.

Repairers test customers' lines if there is a problem. If repair work is in the outside service lines, repairers request help from the service center.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Electronic Instrument and Equipment Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to communications equipment mechanics.

Install frames and supports, alarms, and telephone sets.
Connect equipment to power lines and communication cables.
Test the connections to make sure that enough power is available and that communication links work.
Install software, or program equipment to provide special features.
Perform tests to verify that new equipment works properly. Calibrate and align components.
Diagnose problems and correct malfunctions, sometimes from remote locations.
Refer to manufacturers' manuals for maintenance instructions.
Use small hand tools to replace defective components, such as circuit boards, fuses, or wiring.
Use electrical measuring instruments to test signal strength and other radio functions.
Install telephone service by connecting customers' telephone wires to outside service lines.
Climb poles or ladders or dig holes or trenches to install or repair outside service lines.
Test customers' phone lines to determine if malfunction is in customers' premises or outside service lines.
May drive crew trucks to and from work areas.

Common work activities

Communications equipment mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Use computers
Make decisions and solve problems
Identify objects, actions, and events
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Update and use job-related knowledge
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Handle and move objects
Perform activities that use the whole body
Process information
Teach others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Establish and maintain relationships
Think creatively
Analyze data or information
Evaluate information against standards
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Document and record information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, communications equipment mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of job-required social contact. Some work more closely with customers and have a higher level of social contact.
Communicate with others primarily by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
Often work as part of a team.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.
Are responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

Work both indoors and outdoors.
Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
Must sometimes get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
Sometimes wear protective or safety attire.
Sometimes share work space with other mechanics.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
Are sometimes exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
May work in very bright or very dim lighting.
Are on rare occasions exposed to hazardous conditions or situations, such as electrical wires, that may produce cuts or minor burns.
Are sometimes exposed to high places when climbing poles or towers.
May wear a special uniform, depending on the employer.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details of the job are done so that equipment works properly.
Must be very exact in their work to prevent safety hazards.
Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
Sometimes must make decisions that impact customers or their own company's reputation. They often act without consulting a supervisor first.
Determine their daily tasks and goals in cooperation with a supervisor.
Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

Often work a 40-hour week during regular business hours.
May work irregular schedules at companies with 24-hour repair service, or where service must take place after business hours.
May work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some mechanics are on-call around the clock.

Physical demands

Communications equipment mechanics frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.
Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
Repeat the same movements.
Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for communications equipment mechanics to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for communications equipment mechanics to be able to:

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Determine the distance between objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Communications equipment mechanics need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Repair machines or systems.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a communications equipment mechanic, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
complete a training program in electronics; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many communications equipment mechanics learn their skills through formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer training in electronics or communications. In these programs you learn to use hand tools and repair electronic equipment. Courses on fiber optic technology are also available. Some communications mechanics have an associate degree.

On-the-job training

Communications equipment mechanics learn additional skills on the job from an experienced worker. On-the-job training typically includes a combination of formal classroom training and informal hands-on experience. This type of training can last anywhere from a few months to one year.

Large companies may send mechanics to outside training sessions. This keeps you informed of new equipment and how to service it. As networks have become more complex, the knowledge mechanics need has also increased.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to become electronic instrument and equipment repairers. This occupation includes communications equipment. Training lasts from eight to 40 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

Some repairers prepare for this occupation through an apprenticeship program.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Added apprenticeship contact info since L&I listed some apprenticeships on its website for SOC 49-2022.00 3/8/10 & 3/28/16 cj. Info ok 2/19/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Appliance Repair
Computer Applications
Electronics
Equipment Maintenance and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers seek applicants with training in electronics. Military experience with communications equipment is highly valued by many employers.

Employers look for mechanics who are able to work without close supervision. Some mechanics have contact with customers. For these positions, employers look for applicants with a pleasant personality and a neat appearance. Good communication skills are also important.

Communications equipment mechanics must be able to see the difference between colors. This is because wires are color-coded. They must be able to hear differences in the various tones on phone systems. For jobs that require them to climb poles or towers, mechanics must be in good physical shape.

Many companies have skill or aptitude tests which applicants must pass. A valid driver's license and a good driving record are essential.

Many jobs are filled internally through a job-bidding process based on skills.

Tips

The ability to talk with customers is important. Technical training and the ability to keep up with technological changes are helpful. Classroom training or work experience in electrical, electronic, or mechanical fields may improve employment chances. Learn about digital telephony.

Costs to workers

Some workers may have to purchase work boots. Workers are usually required to join a union (most are members of the Communications Workers of America). Dues vary depending on the area, but they are often the equivalent of two hours of the worker's wages per month.

Licensing/certification

Some mechanics must be certified to perform certain tasks or to work on specific equipment. Certification requirements vary by employer and specialization.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers (SOC 49-2021)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$23.32	$27.60	$34.49	$39.00	$44.43
	Monthly	$4,041	$4,783	$5,977	$6,759	$7,700
	Yearly	$48,500	$57,410	$71,740	$81,110	$92,410
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$23.00	$27.53	$33.34	$38.53	$41.19
	Monthly	$3,986	$4,771	$5,778	$6,677	$7,138
	Yearly	$47,846	$57,257	$69,347	$80,147	$85,689
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$34.91	$38.62	$41.66	$45.89	$48.44
	Monthly	$6,050	$6,693	$7,220	$7,953	$8,395
	Yearly	$72,617	$80,328	$86,661	$95,462	$100,743
Vancouver	Hourly	$21.25	$29.73	$36.30	$40.26	$45.95
	Monthly	$3,683	$5,152	$6,291	$6,977	$7,963
	Yearly	$44,195	$61,837	$75,503	$83,741	$95,559
United States	Hourly	$15.15	$19.52	$26.39	$33.94	$41.52
	Monthly	$2,625	$3,383	$4,573	$5,882	$7,195
	Yearly	$31,520	$40,600	$54,890	$70,590	$86,350

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers (SOC 49-2022)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$18.23	$26.14	$32.22	$36.49	$39.56
	Monthly	$3,159	$4,530	$5,584	$6,324	$6,856
	Yearly	$37,920	$54,380	$67,020	$75,900	$82,290
Bellingham	Hourly	$20.33	$23.27	$30.70	$36.98	$45.45
	Monthly	$3,523	$4,033	$5,320	$6,409	$7,876
	Yearly	$42,277	$48,388	$63,867	$76,928	$94,538
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$24.02	$28.37	$33.56	$37.13	$39.32
	Monthly	$4,163	$4,917	$5,816	$6,435	$6,814
	Yearly	$49,943	$59,021	$69,798	$77,236	$81,782
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$16.61	$27.99	$34.22	$37.93	$44.00
	Monthly	$2,879	$4,851	$5,930	$6,573	$7,625
	Yearly	$34,542	$58,211	$71,174	$78,894	$91,519
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$29.99	$32.16	$34.50	$36.85	$38.27
	Monthly	$5,197	$5,573	$5,979	$6,386	$6,632
	Yearly	$62,385	$66,883	$71,769	$76,656	$79,587
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$24.72	$28.18	$33.09	$37.38	$41.45
	Monthly	$4,284	$4,884	$5,734	$6,478	$7,183
	Yearly	$51,437	$58,603	$68,841	$77,736	$86,211
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$18.07	$26.69	$32.66	$36.89	$39.70
	Monthly	$3,132	$4,625	$5,660	$6,393	$6,880
	Yearly	$37,581	$55,520	$67,927	$76,732	$82,572
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$18.37	$24.03	$28.29	$36.13	$46.16
	Monthly	$3,184	$4,164	$4,903	$6,261	$8,000
	Yearly	$38,219	$49,985	$58,836	$75,156	$96,007
Vancouver	Hourly	$17.79	$23.66	$31.52	$36.19	$39.02
	Monthly	$3,083	$4,100	$5,462	$6,272	$6,762
	Yearly	$36,991	$49,214	$65,558	$75,274	$81,153
Walla Walla	Hourly	$31.41	$33.14	$35.53	$37.92	$39.35
	Monthly	$5,443	$5,743	$6,157	$6,572	$6,819
	Yearly	$65,325	$68,936	$73,905	$78,875	$81,856
Wenatchee	Hourly	$19.81	$27.47	$34.14	$37.57	$39.84
	Monthly	$3,433	$4,761	$5,916	$6,511	$6,904
	Yearly	$41,217	$57,128	$71,030	$78,146	$82,859
Yakima	Hourly	$16.66	$19.17	$22.67	$28.65	$37.58
	Monthly	$2,887	$3,322	$3,929	$4,965	$6,513
	Yearly	$34,649	$39,886	$47,150	$59,601	$78,155
United States	Hourly	$15.59	$20.38	$26.97	$34.51	$39.84
	Monthly	$2,702	$3,532	$4,674	$5,981	$6,904
	Yearly	$32,440	$42,400	$56,100	$71,780	$82,860

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Wages for communications equipment mechanics vary by specialty. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. In addition, many communications equipment mechanics belong to unions. Union members tend to earn higher wages than non-union employees.

Benefits vary by employer. Most full-time communications equipment mechanics receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Radio Mechanics (SOC 49-2021)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	400	3.8%	16.1%	45
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	10	10.0%	13.4%	1
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	15	0.0%	15.2%	1
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	25	8.0%	14.1%	3
King County	216	2.8%	19.6%	24
Snohomish County	27	0.0%	12.4%	3
Spokane County	63	6.3%	13.9%	7
United States	14,200	2.8%	5.2%	1,600

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers (SOC 49-2022)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	5,184	3.6%	16.1%	587
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	159	1.9%	13.4%	17
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	66	0.0%	8.6%	7
Benton and Franklin Counties	118	0.8%	15.0%	12
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	111	11.7%	11.9%	14
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	363	-10.5%	15.2%	27
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	99	8.1%	14.1%	12
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	71	1.4%	14.6%	7
King County	2,036	6.1%	19.6%	244
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	75	0.0%	13.8%	7
Pierce County	620	4.4%	15.2%	70
Snohomish County	1,008	-0.2%	12.4%	103
Spokane County	357	4.5%	13.9%	41
United States	232,900	-5.6%	5.2%	23,600

National employment

Major employers:

Telephone communications companies
Electrical contractors
Cable TV companies
Cell phone companies

National outlook

Demand for communications equipment mechanics is expected to decline. Even though there is an increase in Internet and cell phone technology, the equipment is more advanced and does not require a lot of repairs.

Employment of station installers and repairers is also expected to decline. However, use of the Internet and cable services may increase the number of jobs over the next few years.

Despite a decrease in the number of jobs, openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons. People who have an associate degree in telecommunications technology will have the best job prospects.

Other resources

Communications Workers of America
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.434.1100

Computing Technology Industry Association
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

Electronics Technicians Association, International
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

iNARTE - International Association for Radio, Telecommunications, and Electromagnetics
PO Box 602
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0602
888.722.2440

International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers
2701 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
937.298.9984

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
P. O. Box 378
Hillsboro, TX 76645
800.946.0201

US Telecom Association
601 New Jersey Avenue, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20001
202.326.7300

References

Career cluster

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.