Radiocommunications Technicians
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Radiocommunications Technicians install, maintain, repair and diagnose malfunctions of microwave, telemetry, multiplexing, satellite and other radio and electromagnetic wave communication systems.
Tasks
-
Installs, maintains, repairs and diagnoses malfunctions of microwave, telemetry, satellite and other radio and electromagnetic communication systems.
-
Liaises with vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources and monitors contractual obligations and performance delivery.
Characteristics
-
University
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Practical
-
Analytical
-
Administrative
-
Light
-
Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Telecommunications Technical Specialists, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 88% of people employed as Radiocommunications Technicians work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 22 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
-
Radiocommunications Technicians work in industries like:
- Information media and telecommunications
- Public administration and safety
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Radiocommunications Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 26.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 19.8 | 25.6 |
QLD | 24.3 | 20.0 |
SA | 9.7 | 7.0 |
WA | 14.3 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.3 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.4 | 1.0 |
ACT | 2.9 | 1.9 |
-
Around 43% of Radiocommunications Technicians live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland and Western Australia have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Radiocommunications Technicians is 44 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 4% of the workforce. This is 44 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Radiocommunications Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.4 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 6.7 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 21.1 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 22.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 25.5 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 4.7 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 44 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate IV or diploma in telecommunications engineering or another related field is usually needed to work as a Radiocommunications Technician. Some workers have a related university qualification.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Transmission & Distribution VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Radiocommunications Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 2.3 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 10.9 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 26.6 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 47.6 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 8.0 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 1.6 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 3.1 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Telecommunications Technical Specialists who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
52%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
-
52%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
50%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
46%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
-
46%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
46%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
-
45%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
45%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
41%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
41%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
39%
SpeakingTalking to others.
-
39%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
39%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
39%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
-
37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
-
37%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
37%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
-
32%
Systems evaluationMeasuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
71%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
68%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
65%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
64%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
58%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
57%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
53%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
51%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
48%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
43%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
42%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
41%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
41%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
38%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
34%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
34%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
32%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
28%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
25%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
22%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
55%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
-
52%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
52%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
50%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
50%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
-
50%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
46%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
46%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
46%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
-
46%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
46%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
46%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
45%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
43%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
43%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
43%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
41%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
-
41%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
-
39%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
-
38%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
85%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
75%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
73%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
68%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
68%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
66%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
66%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
65%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
65%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
64%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
-
64%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
63%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
61%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
61%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
60%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
60%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
58%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
57%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
54%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
53%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
76%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
62%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
67%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
57%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
52%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
48%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
48%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
99%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
97%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
92%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
87%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
86%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
-
85%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
85%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
80%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
-
80%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
79%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
77%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
76%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
75%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
74%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
72%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
69%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
68%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
68%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
65%
Angry or unpleasant peopleDeal with unpleasant, angry, or rude people.
-
65%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-2021.01 - Radio Mechanics.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.