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Radio Operators
Overview » Industry Pathways » Journalism and Broadcasting 
Radio operators receive and transmit communications using a variety of tools. They are responsible for repairing equipment, using such devices as electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools. One of their major duties is to help keep communication systems in good working condition, especially when towns, states, or regions of the country experience weather emergencies. Many residents rely on their local radio stations for up-to-date emergency information during storms.
The transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting has greatly changed the work of radio operators. Software on desktop computers has replaced specialized electronic equipment in many recording and editing functions.
Most radio stations have replaced video and audio tapes with computer hard drives and other computer data storage systems. This transition has forced technicians to learn computer networking and software skills.
Radio operators held about 2,000 jobs in 2006. Jobs in radio are located in virtually all cities and in many small towns.
The highest paying and most specialized jobs are concentrated in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.; the originating centers for most network or news programs.
People seeking entry-level jobs as technicians in broadcasting are expected to face strong competition in major metropolitan areas, where pay generally is higher and the number of qualified jobseekers is typically greater than the number of openings. It is probably easier to find entry-level positions in small cities and towns.
Overall employment of radio operators is expected to decline rapidly through the year 2016.
Radio operators need the electronics training necessary to operate technical equipment. Radio operators do not usually require any formal training. This is an entry-level position that generally requires on-the-job training.
Typical annual earnings of radio operators in 2007 were $40,210.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
National Association of Broadcasters: http://www.nab.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center.
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