RO Rates of Pay – Radio Operations (Government of Canada)

RO rates of pay for all RO (Radio Operations) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $34,543 to $115,488 across 7 levels. Category: Operational. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.

RO – Radio Operations

$34,543 – $115,488

$1,329 – $4,442 biweekly (before deductions)

7 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements

Rates effective from 2025-05-01 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology

All RO Levels

LevelStepsStep 1Max Step
RO-007$34,543$39,461
RO-017$50,706$72,114
RO-027$58,126$75,520
RO-037$64,944$88,010
RO-047$70,178$95,391
RO-057$75,938$103,515
RO-067$83,890$115,488

ApplySmith

Applying for a RO position?

AI-generated screening answers, tailored resume, and cover letter — in the format GC hiring managers expect.

Try it free
Calculate take-home pay →Compare classifications →See raise history →Highest paying jobs →

About the RO Classification

The RO (Radio Operations) group covers radio operators and communications technicians employed by the federal government, primarily at the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, and other departments with radio communications requirements. RO employees operate maritime radio stations, monitor distress frequencies, relay navigational warnings, and maintain communications with vessels and aircraft in Canadian waters and airspace.

RO-01 through RO-03 cover radio operators at varying skill levels. RO-04 and above are senior operators and station supervisors. Coast Guard RO operators are particularly critical — they monitor marine distress frequencies 24 hours a day, coordinate search and rescue communications, and relay weather and navigational information to vessels. Many RO positions involve shift work at remote coastal radio stations.

The RO group has been affected by technological change as satellite communications and automated systems have replaced some traditional radio monitoring functions. However, human radio operators remain essential for interpreting distress signals, coordinating complex search and rescue operations, and providing communications in situations where automated systems are insufficient. The group is represented by PSAC. Despite ongoing automation, the safety-critical nature of maritime communications ensures continued demand for skilled radio operators.

Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare RO with other classifications.