How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Hawaii

When thinking about working in Hawaii, many people don’t automatically think about cell towers.

However, this is one of the states that has the greatest need for cell technology in order for it to stay connected with the rest of the country.

The people who install, maintain, and repair the equipment on these cell towers are cell tower technicians.

Let’s take a few minutes to explore what is required of cell tower technicians in Hawaii.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Hawaii

1. Finish High School.

While working on your high school diploma or GED, it is a good time to explore things like telecommunications and electricity, as they will help you when you graduate.

It is also a good time to get your driver’s license and get certified in CPR and first aid.

While this certificate will need to be renewed annually, getting the initial training now will make it quicker in the future and will give you time to concentrate on learning other things.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities for cell tower technicians in Hawaii include on-the-job training, online programs, and pursuing education in telecommunications and electricity, which are big helps in the field.

It also helps to hone climbing and rescue skills, as they are often needed for some of the certifications required of cell tower technicians.

3. Get Certifications

Going to the certification sites listed will help you learn exactly what you need to do in order to get the various certifications that many employers require of their cell tower technicians in Hawaii.

If a company has its own training program, it may be willing to pay any fees associated with the required licenses.

If they don’t state this, it can’t hurt to ask.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Passing a criminal background check and drug screening is required in almost any industry these days.

Hawaii takes its safety seriously and will require all individuals who work in the dangerous position of cell tower operator to pass both.

This not only helps ensure the safety of the employee and their coworkers, but also helps the companies avoid lawsuits that may come if they aren’t bonded.

While not all criminal records will exclude an applicant, those involving violence and moral turpitude will.

5. Find a Position

Some things you can do to help you find a position as a cell tower technician in Hawaii are:

• Post your resume on job boards
• Check job opening boards daily
• Call possible employers and ask if you can send them your resume
• Join forums related to telecommunications

6. Continue Learning

Continue adding related skills to your portfolio and keeping any certifications up-to-date.

Make sure to take advantage of any learning opportunities that arise.

The field of cell technology will only continue its current growth, and you do not want to be left behind as the need for greater and different skills arises.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Hawaii

In Hawaii, there are no state-specific requirements directed solely at cell tower technicians.

Instead, these individuals must meet federal standards and also the safety standards required in the construction industry.

At the very least, cell tower technicians in Hawaii 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 Hawaii

There are no specific programs for cell tower technicians in Hawaii, but there are opportunities to pursue a degree in Telecommunications or Electricity.

These opportunities can be found at both colleges and trade schools.

There are also many online opportunities to learn the skills you will need for this position.

Volunteering with a fire department or rescue group will also help you gain necessary skills and a comfort level with heights.

If you call the individual cell companies, you may also find some that offer their own training.

Many of these companies prefer this type of training as it allows them to see that each employee understands the company protocol and standards.

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

Hawaii is near the top of the country’s pay scale for cell tower technicians.

On average, the pay is $24.55 an hour.

This comes out to $51,074 a year.

While entry-level positions may pay less, supervisory positions pay more.

Staying with the job over time will also see an individual making more money.

Salary by Metro Area in Hawaii

Cell Tower Technician by State