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Technology career
Cell Tower Technician
Also called: Tower Climber · Tower Technician · Wireless Technician · RF Technician
What cell tower technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a cell tower technician do?
Radio, cellular and tower equipment installers and repairers climb towers to install, maintain and repair antennas, radios and cables for cellular and other wireless networks. The median pay is $63,520 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months plus climbing certification, and employment is projected to grow +1.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$63,520$30.54/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.2%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train1–6 months plus climbing certificationTypical program length
- U.S. jobs11,300Employment, 2025
What cell tower technicians do
Cell tower technicians build and maintain wireless networks. They climb towers and rooftops to install antennas, radios and cabling, run fiber and power, test equipment and perform inspections. Work includes 5G upgrades, small cells, emergency repairs and maintenance for carriers, broadcasters and public safety networks.
Training focuses on climbing safety, rescue and rigging, plus RF and fiber basics. Many technicians start with short climbing courses and learn on the job; associate degrees in electronics help with advancement. The job involves travel and serious height hazards, and pays a premium for skilled, safe climbers.
Typical duties
- Climb towers and rooftops safely
- Install antennas, radios and mounts
- Run and secure coax, fiber and power cables
- Test equipment and signal performance
- Perform tower inspections
- Rig and hoist equipment
- Document work with photos and reports
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work outdoors at extreme heights on towers, rooftops and water tanks, in heat, cold and wind, often in rural areas far from home.
Schedule: Many work long days and travel for weeks at a time, with work stopping for lightning and high winds.
A day in the life
- Drive to the site and hold a job hazard analysis with the crew.
- Inspect harnesses, lanyards and rescue gear.
- Climb to the antenna platform at 200 feet.
- Hoist and mount new 5G radios.
See a full day in the life of a cell tower technician →
Cell Tower Technician salary
Half of cell tower technicians earned more than $63,520 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,460 for the lowest 10% to $103,990 for the top 10%.
Full cell tower technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a cell tower technician
- Get in shape
- Complete climber training
- Join a tower crew
- Earn certifications
- Advance
A high school diploma plus climbing and safety training is common. Associate degrees in electronics or telecommunications help with technical and lead roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a cell tower technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Tower climbing and fall protection
- Rescue techniques
- Rigging and hoisting
- Antenna and radio installation
- Fiber and coax work
People skills
- Safety discipline
- Teamwork
- Physical stamina
- Focus
All cell tower technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Premium pay for skilled climbers
- Adventure and travel
- Short entry training
- Growing 5G and broadband work
Cons
- Serious fall hazards
- Travel away from home
- Physically demanding
- Weather delays
Certifications and licenses
- Authorized climber and rescue training: Training that meets ANSI/ASSP A10.48 and employer requirements.
- NWSA Telecommunications Tower Technician: National Wireless Safety Alliance credentials.
- RF safety awareness: Training on radio frequency exposure.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction: Construction safety training.
Career path
- Ground Hand: Support climbers and rig loads.
- Tower Climber: Install and maintain equipment.
- Lead Climber or Foreman: Lead crews and safety.
- RF Technician or Project Manager: Move into technical or management roles.
Learn the job before day one
Our Cell Tower Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as climb a tower safely and hoist equipment up a tower, safety and how to land your first job.
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Cell Tower Technician FAQ
Is cell tower work dangerous?
It involves serious fall hazards, managed with training and strict safety rules.
Do I need a degree?
Not usually; climbing and safety training come first.
Do tower techs travel?
Often, sometimes for weeks.
How much does a cell tower technician make?
The median annual wage for cell tower technicians was $63,520 ($30.54 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $103,990.
How long does it take to become a cell tower technician?
Most people need about 1–6 months plus climbing certification of training. A high school diploma plus climbing and safety training is common. Associate degrees in electronics or telecommunications help with technical and lead roles.
Do you need a degree to be a cell tower technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More cell tower technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2021 (Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.