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Radio Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valaris

Radio Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Radio Operator operates vessel communications equipment, answers phones, and carries out clerical duties such as filing and typing as directed. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Valaris

Radio Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Radio Operator operates vessel communications equipment, answers phones, and carries out clerical duties such as filing and typing as directed. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

West Virginia

Radio Operator

Charleston, WV · On-site

$26K - $44K/yr

... radio base station system. Employee will also serve as the District Office Receptionist with primary responsibility for answering a multi-line phone system and responding to public questions ...

Datum Software, Inc.

Radio System Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

FCC General Radio Operator License preferred but not required. * Strong project management skills, including experience with RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes. * Experience with project management software ...

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Radio Operator information

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How much do radio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for radio operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radio operator?

Radio operators are professionals responsible for transmitting and receiving communications using radio equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring clear and reliable communication in various fields such as maritime, aviation, emergency services, and the military. Their duties often include monitoring frequencies, relaying messages, maintaining equipment, and following strict communication protocols. Radio operators must be skilled in using different types of radio systems and may need to obtain licenses depending on their industry and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radio operator?

To thrive as a Radio Operator, you need a solid understanding of radio communication protocols, signal operations, and equipment maintenance, often supported by relevant technical training or military certifications. Familiarity with radio transmission equipment, encryption systems, and communication software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable, secure, and effective communication, which is critical for safety and operational success in both civilian and military contexts.

What are some common challenges radio operators face when working in remote or field environments?

Radio Operators working in remote or field environments often encounter challenges such as maintaining clear communication in areas with limited signal coverage, operating equipment under harsh weather conditions, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. They must be skilled at troubleshooting technical issues quickly to minimize communication downtime. Additionally, working in these settings often requires close collaboration with field teams and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

What is the difference between Radio Operator vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectRadio OperatorMarine Radio Operator
CertificationsFCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) or equivalentMarine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) or GROL
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including aviation, emergency services, broadcastingMaritime vessels, ports, and offshore platforms
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, broadcasters, private companiesShipping companies, maritime authorities, offshore oil rigs

Both roles involve radio communication skills and certifications like the GROL. However, Marine Radio Operators specifically focus on maritime communication, working primarily on ships and offshore platforms, while general Radio Operators work across diverse industries. The certifications overlap, but Marine Radio Operators require additional maritime-specific permits. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their interests and credentials.

How do you become a radio operator?

To become a radio operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training in radio communications, often provided by military, maritime, or aviation programs. Certification or licensing from relevant authorities, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), may be required depending on the industry and location. Strong communication skills and knowledge of radio equipment are essential for the role.

How long does it take to get a radio operator license?

The time to obtain a radio operator license varies depending on the country and licensing authority, but typically it involves studying for and passing a written exam that can take a few weeks to a few months. Some licenses may require additional training or practical assessments, and candidates often need to meet age and background requirements before applying.
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Radio Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radio Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Radio Operator

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description


Job Summary
The Radio Operator operates vessel communications equipment, answers phones, and carries out clerical duties such as filing and typing as directed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Receives and transmits messages between the vessel and shore bases, supply vessels, helicopters, and other stations by radio telephone.
  • Operates all communication equipment in the radio room, and ensures it is well maintained and operational.
  • Maintains a radio listening watch on marine and aeronautical emergency frequencies.
  • Maintains records/logs of all radio communications to and from the vessel. Keeps records of telephone charges if possible.
  • Ensures the maintenance of all electronic navigational aids where applicable.
  • Tests the standby radio equipment and the radio equipment in the lifeboats on a weekly basis, including the testing of the radio room batteries.
  • Advises the OIM/Master of any emergency situations within the vicinity of the vessel.
  • Informs the Helicopter Landing Officer and Bridge of all helicopter traffic to the vessel.
  • Establishes and maintains radio communications with helicopter traffic to and from the vessel.
  • Advises pilots of landing clearances, meteorological conditions, etc., and records in the helicopter movement log.
  • Coordinates and controls the isolation of radio equipment during periods of radio silence.
  • Participates in weekly emergency drills and responds to emergency situations as per assigned duties on the Station Bill.
  • Becomes familiar with the vessel's emergency and medical evacuation procedures.
  • Reports any incidents, potential hazards, or abnormal situations to the marine supervisors.
  • Provides clerical/administrative support to the OIM/Master as required.
  • Coordinates crew changes by helicopter and boats.
  • Maintains up to date personnel on board and room assignment lists.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of all work performed, including well data, payroll information, crew lists, and personal data including contact details of relatives of vessel's crew.
  • Prepares time sheets for personnel onboard in accordance with payroll procedures where applicable.
  • Arranges crew change travel where applicable
    Qualifications / Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Fluent in English (oral and written).
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Valid GMDSS General Radio Operator's certificate

Behaviors
As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Our five behaviors that define our culture are:
Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based.
Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing.
Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop.
Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact recruiting@valaris.com.
About Us
At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.

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