How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Arkansas

What job is an essential part of today’s world, involves the thrill of doing something dangerous, and allows you to be outside most of the time?

This is the world of the cell tower technician in Arkansas.

These individuals are tasked with climbing 400-foot cell towers to install equipment such as antennas and lines.

They must also regularly check this equipment to keep it running smoothly.

If any of this equipment fails, there is a need to get the equipment up and running.

Let’s see if you have what it takes to do this job.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Arkansas

1. Finish High School

Getting a head start while you are working toward your high school diploma or GED is a great idea.

It will help give you an advantage over other candidates as you will be prepared more quickly.

During these years, work toward getting your driver’s license and certifications in CPR and first aid.

Take classes and participate in activities focused on subjects such as electricity, electronics, and telecommunications.

If you are old enough to get a summer job, try to find entry positions in these areas or find someone who works in these industries who is willing to mentor you.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

Arkansas cell tower technicians are lucky to have actual educational programs for cell tower technicians, unlike many states.

There are other options available.

Many companies offer their own training so they know exactly what their employees can do.

You only need to make calls or check out the company’s website to find out if that is an available option.

At that point, it is also a good time to find out exactly what skills or certifications the company wants.

Finally, check out online classes.

The links below take you to a few websites that can help you prepare for the typical certifications you may need to acquire.

3. Get Certifications

Take time to study for and take the tests necessary for as many certifications as you can get in the area of cell tower technician.

While most companies won’t require all the ones listed below, the more you have, the greater your chances of getting hired at a company you prefer.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Cell tower technicians don’t need to be bonded by law, but many cell companies need to be.

For this reason, they want to make sure anyone they hire is not legally unable to be bonded.

Hiring such individuals could put the company’s status at risk.

You can be sure that any violence or moral turpitude charges on your record will disqualify you from many companies.

Drug use, especially on a job with the inherent danger of cell tower technicians, is a thing that excludes many people from getting hired.

In the case of a cell tower technician, being under the influence while working puts not only yourself but also your coworkers in danger.

5. Find a Position

You can find a job as a cell tower technician in Arkansas the same way you do any job these days.

Make sure your resume is updated and looks good.

Post it to any and every site that allows it.

Next, visit the job boards that list openings for cell tower technicians in Arkansas on a daily basis.

Doing this daily helps you take advantage of newly listed positions.

You can also call companies and ask if they will allow you to send your resume for future openings.

6. Continue Learning

Keep all your certifications active.

If you get word of new ones, take the opportunity to get them.

The cell industry is changing and will continue to do so as the technology grows.

Any cell tower technician will need to grow with the industry if they hope to keep their position.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Arkansas

Arkansas itself doesn’t have any licensing requirements specific to cell tower technicians.

Individual companies, however, have their own requirements.

They are often in line with the federal licensing requirements.

You can be positive that you will need some combination of the following.

• OSHA 10 or 30  safety certification. The ten-hour course is for entry-level positions, and the thirty-hour one is for those who wish to rise in the ranks and become supervisors or instructors.
• National Wireless Safety Alliance (NATE) certificates. These are TTT1 and TTT2 certifications, depending on the job level. They also offer safe climbing courses and rescue certification.
• Competent Climber and Rescuer Certification
• Radio frequency (RF) safety certification. This lets employers know you understand the dangers of radiofrequency and how to work safely with it.
• CPR and First Aid training.
• A valid driver’s license.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas Community Colleges

This school offers three courses in its Fiber Academy that can be applied to the job of a cell tower technician.

All are free of charge for eligible candidates.

Aerial Lineman is a four-week course that runs from 7 AM-6 PM (with an hour lunch break) Monday through Thursday.

Fiber Optics Technician is an evening course that runs Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for nine weeks.

Telecommunication Tower Technician is a four-week course that takes place 8–5 Monday through Thursday.

Arkansas State University Three Rivers

This school offers a two-course program.

Students must first take Broadband Essentials.

This 32-hour course runs from Monday through Thursday from 8 to 4.

Telecommunication Tower Technician is a 96-hour course that takes place from 8 AM to 4 PM Mondays through Thursdays.

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in Arkansas Get Paid?

A cell tower technician in Arkansas makes, on average $19.54 per hour.

This will depend on how long the person has been doing the job, where they work in the state, and whether they are a supervisor or trainer.

The average yearly salary is $40,650

Cell Tower Technician by State