Tower technicians are crucial to operating telecommunications facilities, which allow us to exchange information electronically over any distance and immediately.
This makes the skills and work of tower technicians indispensable to all of us because, without them, we can't use our phones. Thus, tower technicians are critical for our modern way of life.
Tower technicians must be able to work in all weather conditions, have excellent communication skills, and understand electrical engineering principles and telecommunication equipment.
Although a formal degree is not necessary, you will need a high school diploma and several safety certifications. Ongoing study and training are available and recommended.
A tower technician is a telecommunications professional (also known as a tower climber), who installs, repairs, and maintains cell phone towers.
To perform this job, individuals must climb the physical towers that provide us with cell phone service. In addition, these technicians must follow detailed safety procedures to ensure their safety as well as the safety of crew members around them.
A tower technician will install, repair, maintain, and test cellular telephone antennas and related equipment, and they will communicate with teams, customers, and clients regarding technical issues. Specific tasks include the following:
To start with, you'll need your high school diploma. After that, how you train and certify yourself will be up to you. However, some certificates and qualifications will be essential (such as a driver's license and certain safety tickets).
Some training will occur on the job, and post-secondary study (in telecommunications or electronics, for example) is highly recommended. The following certificates are examples of useful tower technician knowledge:
The road to becoming a tower technician begins with a high school diploma. Try to focus your high school study on mechanical, mathematical, and technological studies. Once you have graduated, follow these steps:
Once you have your high school diploma and some experience in the field, you can begin planning for further training. There are many state and private institutions offering tower technician training.
Any course, so long as it meets your current work needs, will be useful. So be sure to take as many courses that interest you and that can be an advantage when applying for jobs.
Further study after that (associate or full degrees) will take you into specialist areas, such as electrical engineering, electrical technology, telecommunications, or environmental control technologies.
Remember that most employers will provide you with training. Still, if you have additional skills or some useful experience in the field, you have an advantage.
Any specialized training you have, such as welding or rigging, will make you even more useful to a company.
This is an industry where the more you work, the more you learn, and the better equipped you become to move onward and upward in the field.
It's always a good idea to have a plan in place before you begin applying for jobs. Certifications can show employers that you already have some knowledge and motivation for the work.
In addition, consider your physical condition and level of fitness since tower technician work can require strength and stamina.
Even if companies don't ask for certifications, possessing one might make your application more attractive.
The most prevalent certification is the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). However, Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) is also frequently seen on tower technicians' resumes.
The following are some skill certifications commonly requested in tower technician job descriptions:
Most of these certifications require a demonstration of competencies and a passing score on a written exam. Many need to be renewed regularly, at least every one to three years. Information regarding the certificate is generally accompanied by names of organizations that offer the training.
There are several reasons this career may appeal to you:
A tower technician position could be right for you if you desire a profession that involves being outside and working with your hands. These technicians spend a lot of time outdoors and up high.
Smaller companies in the field of communications typically employ them. They may frequently move from one location to another. They're not tied down to any particular office building or set schedule.
There are many different types of roles available for those interested in tower technology. There are also many different ways to get into the field, including school, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job training.
It's possible to find employment as a tower technician even if you don't have any previous experience. In such a dynamic industry, you never know what skill you can offer to your employer.
Telecommunications technology continues to develop, so there is a constant demand for new infrastructure, upgrades on existing systems, new kinds of maintenance, and problem-solving issues that never seem to end.
Some of the most common questions regarding tower technician careers include the following.
Tower technicians maintain that job security, good salaries, and versatility of the roles are the main benefits of this career.
Tower technicians usually need a high school degree or equivalent certificate. However, some employers might prefer applicants with more formal qualifications and experience. It all depends on what the job requires at the time.
Certain health and safety certificates are mandatory and must be completed before formal work can begin. Most worksites provide this kind of training as part of the job.
According to Indeed.com, tower techs make an average salary of $22.89 per hour or $53,291 per year. However, wages can vary widely depending on where you work, the type of work you do, and the experience and skills you bring to the job.
Other benefits associated with tower technician jobs include:
The range of useful skills (and worth including on your resume) includes:
Cell towers must be built according to strict safety guidelines. In addition, all employees who climb cellphone towers must undergo training and pass rigorous tests before they're allowed to climb.
All worksites display occupational health and safety workplace guidelines, and all workers are expected to be familiar with and adhere to these codes.
Work sites will also require you to regularly complete (and upgrade) safety and hazard certification. These courses are generally offered in the workplace.
Tower techs have to climb as high as 200 and 500 feet above the ground as part of their regular work. They must mount steep and narrow ladders while carrying heavy equipment.
They are often required to climb and perform repairs in rough weather and with poor visibility. This is why fitness and agility are important requirements for the role.
However, other roles include spending time in an office environment completing reports or consulting with customers or teams. They will attend meetings and appointments and liaise with workers on-site.
Tower technicians must also transport themselves and their equipment from one job site to another. In addition, they often have to communicate and work while in transit.
If you want a job that allows you to use your hands and stay out in the fresh air, then a career as a tower technician might be perfect. You'll be able to combine an interest in outdoor physical work with interest in telecommunications.
You'll be able to learn about the latest technologies and how they affect our lives every day. Furthermore, you'll be able to earn a good salary in a stable industry that should always be able to offer you a job.
To learn more about pursuing a tower technician career, visit us at Pinnacle Career Institute. We'll introduce you to our fast-paced trade school programs so you can discover a successful career quickly.