As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Radio Operator in the US is $42,048, equivalent to $20 per hour, $809 weekly, or $3,504 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Radio Operator in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Radio Operator in the US vary widely, spanning from $32,981 to $57,468. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($37,302) and 75th percentile ($50,119), while top earners (90th percentile) make $57,468 per year. This $12,817 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or Audio Systems, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Radio Operator often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 53 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Radio Operator Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Radio Operator Salary $32,981 US August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Radio Operator Salary $37,302 US August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Radio Operator Salary $42,048 US August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Radio Operator Salary $50,119 US August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Radio Operator Salary $57,468 US August 01, 2026
25% $37,302 10% $32,981 90% $57,468 75% $50,119 $42,048 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Radio Operator ?

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

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
37302
50119
42048

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
38226
50326
43774
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Radio Operator in the United States. The base salary for Radio Operator ranges from $37,302 to $50,119 with the average base salary of $42,048. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $38,226 to $50,326 with the average total cash compensation of $43,774.

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37302
50119

 

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