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Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 31 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 13% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

    Very similar work
    +25% pay772 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 25% more—$103,817 vs your $83,357 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

    Very similar work
    +50% pay12,294 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 50% more—$124,706 vs your $83,357 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Near Vision
    • Mechanical
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Information Ordering

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Transportation
  • Signal and Track Switch Repairers

    Similar work
    +17% pay238 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 17% more—$97,208 vs your $83,357 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Repairing
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Transportation
    • Building and Construction
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Troubleshooting