As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly pay of Radio Operator in the United States is $20. While Salary.com is seeing that the highest pay for Radio Operator in the US can go up to $28 and the lowest down to $16, but most earn between $18 and $24. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Radio Operator in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Pay Rate | Location | Last Updated |
| 10th Percentile Radio Operator Salary | $16 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 25th Percentile Radio Operator Salary | $18 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 50th Percentile Radio Operator Salary | $20 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 75th Percentile Radio Operator Salary | $24 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 90th Percentile Radio Operator Salary | $28 | US | May 01, 2026 |
A radio operator refers to a person who is responsible for the operations of a radio system. The profession of radio operator has become largely obsolete with the automation of radio-based tasks in recent decades. Nevertheless, radio operators are still employed in maritime and aviation fields. In most cases radio transmission is now only one of several tasks of a radio operator. In the United States, the title of Certified Radio Operator is granted to those who pass a test issued by the Society of Broadcast Engineers....
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/17/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
1 - 3 years experience
Associate's Degree
3 - 5 years experience
Associate's Degree
5 - 7 years experience
Associate's Degree
| Job Title | Experience | EDUCATION | Salary Compared to This Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title Audio Visual Supervisor | Experience 3 + | EducationAssociates | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Audio Visual Technician I | Experience 0 - 1 | EducationAssociates | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Audio Visual Technician II | Experience 1 - 3 | EducationAssociates | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Audio Visual Technician IV | Experience 5 - 7 | EducationAssociates | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Production Technician III | Experience 3 - 5 | EducationAssociates | Salary Compared to This Job |
Core compensation
Includes base and short-term incentives
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