Explore Careers
Communications Equipment Operators
Explore Careers
Communications Equipment Operators
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & CommunicationsService Branches with this Role
What do Communications Equipment Operators do in the Military?
Where do Communications Equipment Operators work?
Communications equipment operators may work either indoors or outdoors, depending on the specialty. They may be assigned to ships, aircraft, land bases, or mobile field units.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$84,336
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$23,152 - $331,236
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
What training do Communications Equipment Operators gain in the Military?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for communications equipment operators consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in operating a variety of communication systems. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include:
- Radio/satellite equipment installation, operation, and maintenance
- Communications security
- Message encoding and decoding
- Communications plan development
- Signals exploitation
Military Training for Officers
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
What skills help Communications Equipment Operators succeed?
- Ability to remain calm in an emergency
- Interest in working with codes
- Interest in working with communications equipment